Attention Ladies

This is a poem by MAYA ANGELOU titled: To My Dear Lady Friends. I absolutely love it and think every word is true. Enjoy!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect. But it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Scrooge Yourself!

This is the funniest thing!!! I just Scrooged myself! Click on the link below to see how you can Scrooge yourself too!
http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1223900356

Thanksgiving was very nice and relaxing this year. Since both sides of our family live locally, we didn’t have to travel far. Unfortunately, Kelly had to work. He will have to work Christmas too! :( It has been this way all but one year since we have been married. It just so happens that the shift he is on works all of the major holidays…which equals = major bummer…I know, but we have gotten somewhat used to it by now and have found ways to schedule family time around it as best as possible. He could take vacation; however, several of the guys on his shift have small children and like to take their vacation at this time to be with their little ones. I certainly don’t blame them. Naturally, not everyone can take vacation at this time, so Kelly works.
Anyway, the above picture is of me, Jill (with JonParker) and Mom that we took on Thanksgiving Day. This is the first picture I have posted of Jill and JonParker, but rest assured that there will be many more to come! As you can see from the ticker above, it won’t be long before he is here! Jill went to the Dr. for her checkup last week, and she got a very good report. Her due date is January 30, but the Dr. said that they could actually pick the date that they would like to have JonParker’s Birthday as she will be having a surgical delivery. I can’t wait! It is going to be so much fun to have a baby in the family again. So, on a different note before I close, Christmas is almost here and I have SO MANY gifts left to buy! UGH!!!!!! I love Christmas shopping but really, really, really don’t like trying to figure out what to get everyone. Each year, I start early and declare that I will FINNISH early. Yeah, right. I am always the week of Christmas getting done. One day, I will succeed! Until then, to all of you out there who have already finished or only lack one or two gifts to completion….BA HUMBUG!!!!!!!!! (I’m really jealous). ;) Oh, and the other picture is of Kelly and Jade. We went to the Egg Bowl game with the Gaskins and had a great time. Kelly and Jade had a bet that if Ole Miss won she would put a "Rebels for Barbour" bummper sticker on her car, and if MSU won Kelly would put a "Bulldogs for Barbour" sticker on his truck. I suppose you can tell who lost the bet!

Reasons, Seasons or Lifetimes

I received this email from a friend a week or so ago. I have often thought about this very same thing but never expressed it as well as the person who wrote it. I later thought that I should have posted it here, on my blog. Then, I got it again today from someone different! So, I was certainly happy to get a second chance to share it with you. I feel that there is a lot of truth in it. I can personally look back on several relationships for which I would classify as a reason or season and then those who are a lifetime. Regardless of what they were, or are, I am thankful for each and every one of them! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it; it is real, but only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Reunion

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I recently had the opportunity to get together with my college friends for our five year social club reunion. We played in a washboard band!!!! How fun is that???? (I played the bucket, by the way.) Now, there you have it, a little unknown and rare fact about me. We traveled all over the state and parts of AL and AR. Our biggest “gig” was the Jr. Miss Pageant in Meridian. We actually got a few $100 bucks for some of our performances and even managed a few moments of stardom when we performed on The Morning Show, aka. Buddy and Kay, on WTVA-TV!! We primarily sang old church hymns and folksy songs. I posted a picture of us at one of our performances. I swiped the picture off of Conner's blog, and a newer picture that we took when we were together a few days ago. I honestly can’t believe it has been five years! We had such a good time catching up. Many of them are Mommies now, so it was great to get to meet their little ones too! Almost everyone lives out-of-state now, so it is very rare that we are all able to see each other at the same time. I made many wonderful memories with these sweet girls and wouldn’t trade them for anything. I hope we can all come together for our ten year. It will be here before you know it!

I Always Wanted a Niece!!

I am, once again, very behind in the blogging world. I haven’t updated in awhile, as you can tell, and I haven’t been keeping up with everyone else’s either! I know this will likely only get worse as the holiday season kicks into full gear. Thanks, to everyone reading, for hanging in there with me! The title of this blog originates from Brandon’s Powder Puff football game at school a few weeks ago. For those of you who may not be familiar with this, the girls play football and the boys are the cheerleaders. They also had homecoming festivities, and Brandon was the freshman maid. He and another friend borrowed two of my dresses. I always knew those old bridesmaid dresses would come in handy again for something! ;) He also borrowed Jade’s blond wig from Halloween. That was as far as he would take it. Absolutely NO make-up!

Happy Birthday!

For some reason, I am terrible at remembering to post Happy Birthdays on my blog. So, once again, better late than never! My father-in-law, Mr. Ricky, had a birthday October 8. I know I have mentioned before how wonderful Kelly’s parents are, but I like to take every opportunity when it is presented to me! I can say without hesitation that there are few things in this world I could ask of Mr. Ricky that he wouldn’t do. There is no doubt that I have certainly tried his patience more than once on this entire house project! Bless his sweet heart; I’m sure he is more eager than anyone for it to be finished! Thanks for all that you do Mr. Ricky! We love you!

House Update!

Kelly, his Dad and Uncle Rusty worked on the house yesterday. I thought I would catch a few shots of them in action. :) How do you like the front porch “fall scene”? Even though we aren’t moved in yet, I just couldn’t resist decorating for my FAVORIATE time of year! Mr. Max, Kelly’s Papaw, grew the pumpkins in his garden. We initially thought we may be in by Thanksgiving, but it looks like it will be early December now. Kelly has assured me that we will be able to put a Christmas tree in it. I sure hope so!!! How exciting!!! I can’t wait for us to celebrate Christmas in our new home! So, I suppose I need to explain a few of these pictures…the blue and brown is one of our upstairs bedrooms. The ceiling is blue and the walls are brown. We painted the second upstairs bedroom ceiling a few shades lighter than the green that you see on the walls. Kelly’s Uncle is in one of these pictures. I didn’t get a picture of the upstairs bathroom, but I will post one soon. Yesterday they worked on the trim, so that is what you see Kelly painting in one of the pictures. The gold color on the outside wall will be painted throughout the downstairs den and dining room. Blue, as I like to call him, aka Buck is the sweet little orphan hound that I mentioned in an earlier post. He is the one that has been adopted by Mr. Ricky and Mrs. Marsha. I ask you, how SWEET is he!? He hangs out at the house while they work. Oh, on another note, Westley broke his arm in two places Wednesday night while playing football after church! He is going to get his cast today, so I’ll have to get a picture to post. He told me last night that he was going to get “Hamilton Blue” for his color. This was after he told “Nanna” that he was going to get orange for Halloween. Guess we’ll see! TGIF! Have a great weekend!!!!!

The Babies

The babies are getting fat! Aren’t they just precious? They are able to eat on their own now and play all the time. I’m such a proud Momma! ;) Zeek likes them now and is finally playing with them. Wendy, on the other hand, still growls and hisses every time they come near. My parents have grown fond of the little darlings and have agreed to keep them once they get a little older. They have two labs, Daisy and Bell, who are quite intrigued by them. I think they will get along well. I’m glad they are going to a good home, but I’m still going to miss them a lot! Maybe I can get some house pictures posted tomorrow. The upstairs rooms have been painted and “trim work” will begin sometime this week. For those of you who may not know…hunting season is upon us…yep, that is a MAJOR priority on the hill-side. Prayers, at this time, will certainly be appreciated. ;)

Snakes And Snails And Puppy-Dog Tails....That's What Boys Are Made Of!

Thursday was the big day. We all gathered at the Doctor’s office for Jill’s sonogram and official announcement of Baby Fikes’ gender. It is, without a doubt, a BOY! The Dr. said that if it was a girl, we had some serious problems on our hands! :) He was VERY active, so we got some good pictures of him squirming and flipping around. JonParker Fikes will likely be his name. (Yes, my bother-in-law is an AL fan.) While we were all certainly happy and thankful that he appeared healthy and well on his way to a late January Birthday, I must honestly say there was a bit of disappointment that he wasn’t a girl. We were looking forward to the possibility of buying hair bows, cheerleading outfits, little purses and pink dresses. Nevertheless, I am THRILLED to have another nephew on the way!! That night, I bought him his first gift…little blue puppy dog slippers!!! I am so glad to finally go shopping and know if I am looking for pink or blue!!! So much to do and so little time!!! Have a good day!

Little Orphans

Look what Kelly and I found at around 10:30 pm September 21…yep…someone had taken these two PRECIOUS babies and placed them inside a Wal-Mart bag, drove them to the end of our drive-way and threw them into the woods!!!! If it had not been for one of them breaking free and crawling to the edge of the road, I wouldn’t have seen it when pulling into the drive. When we stopped and opened the car door they were both screaming their little heads off! I stomped around in the woods until I found the second one still inside the bag. HOW on earth could any human being do something so heartless? It is one of the tackiest, cruelest and inhumane things an individual can do and I do believe they will be held accountable for it one day. We live on a relatively rural road, and people are constantly dropping off animals they don’t want. We recently had a sweet little beagle dropped off at the new house. Kelly’s Dad has already claimed him though. Anyway- I immediately drove to a nearby Wal-Mart to buy formula and have been feeding them from an eye dropper ever since. So far so good…they are eating and growing! Wendy and Zeek don’t know what to think about our house guests. I’m already getting so attached, but I haven’t allowed myself to name them just yet. As you can imagine, Kelly is just thrilled about the idea of two more cats around. So, on a different note…when I’m up to it…I will have to blog about my work-trip to Austin, TX. IT WAS TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, my sister finally finds out tomorrow whether we can buy pink or blue for Baby Fikes!!! Happy Wednesday!

House

We are almost completely finished with the outside of the house. We only lack having the columns put in under the porch. I am still trying to decide on paint colors. The pressure is on, because they want to begin painting this weekend! Yikes! These pictures were taken yesterday. Maybe we will be in by Thanksgiving!

Birthday Girl!

My Mom’s Birthday was September 20. We had birthday dinner for her last weekend at a local Mexican restaurant and they put a sombrero on her head and sang to her…fun was had by all! I have such an amazing Momma! I love her more than words can say. This picture was taken for her job. She would likely kill me if she knew I put it on here, but I think it’s great! Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Anniversary

September has been such a busy month! Kelly and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary on the 13th. My, how time flies! We have actually been together for about eight years. We started dating in high school and through college. Although we had talked about marriage often and knew that it was something we both wanted, the proposal was still a complete surprise. Kelly called me at school one September afternoon and said that he wanted to take one final trip to the beach before summer was over. So, after having birthday dinner for my Mom that night we drove to Florida for the weekend. We spent the next day on the beach and that afternoon Kelly said that he wanted to take a walk on the beach before we went to dinner. I noticed that he kept pacing around the room while I was getting ready and rushing me to finish. When I finally walked out of the bathroom he was standing on the balcony with this terribly sad expression on his face. I looked behind him and saw why. It was pouring rain! I still thought to myself how odd it was for him to be that worked up over not getting to walk on the beach. I think I remember saying something like…”We can walk when we get back. It’s no big deal.” But it was a big deal because he had planned to propose to me on the beach! He was so nervous!!! At that point, he said he could wait no longer. After asking me to sit down (it was at this point that I got the hint.) and saying all of the sweet things girls dream to hear… we became engaged and were married the following September! It is still one of my favorite stories to tell. I am blessed to have Kelly in my life. I love him very much, and I’m thankful for the years we have been together. Lord willing, I am looking forward many, many more!

Game Time

I went to the MSU vs. LSU game last night with Jade and Jason. I haven’t been to a college game in a long time. Kelly had to work. :( Even though it rained…hard…and State lost, Jade and I still managed to have fun. That is never a problem for the two of us. I must say that I think I enjoyed watching the fans much more than the game. Hilarious! I stole this picture from Jade’s blog. Thanks to Jason, we were able to stay relatively dry with the ponchos that he bought for us from the bookstore. Thanks Jason! Happy Friday!

Home Sweet Home

I’m very behind on house pictures. It was just reconfirmed for me when I saw the last pictures I posted in June. Goodness! Our summer got really busy after that. We now have a roof, windows and a little bit of brick as you can see below. These pictures were taken Friday afternoon. We (they) started laying brick last week. Hopefully, siding and sheet-rock will begin in a few days. My job will soon become increasingly hard as we inch closer to paint. WOW, how am I ever going to decide on colors?!!! Every time I think I have my mind made up I see something else I like better. I have taken a lot of inside pictures, but it’s hard to tell much about them at this point. I’ll post more once the sheet-rock is in place. On a different note, Brandon started the ninth grade and Westley started the fifth grade last week. It seems like they had a short summer break, but I think they were ready to go back. Jill’s doctor visit last week went well. The doc. said everything looked and sounded great! They changed her due date to Jan 28. He wouldn’t even try to determine the gender this early. So, we are going to have to wait until the 20 week visit. I’m so excited to find out!!! All signs point to a boy, but you never know! Anyway, happy Monday Yall’

Home Sweet Home

27 OR 18? Hmmmm...

Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday to ME, Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay, today is MY Birthday incase you didn’t catch the song up there or the picture totally threw you off. I googled August 7, 1980 this afternoon and was reminded that Mount St. Helen in Washington erupted on this date, the date I was born. How fitting that a mountain should explode spewing forth ashes, smoke and molten rock in honor of my grand entrance into this world. HA! Ok, enough of the sarcasm. I am 27 today! It still seems surreal. I must tell you that I was a little sad about turning 27. Primarily because I know that I don’t have very many more “20s” left. The thought has frequently occurred to me at various times, but I really hadn’t given it a lot of thought in the days approaching my Birthday until Kelly kindly reminded me of it last night…when he brought to my attention that NEVER in my life would I be 26 again. I was thinking about that when all of a sudden I was reminded of something funny that happened to me yesterday morning. I was standing in the kitchen making coffee and talking on the phone to Kelly when someone knocked on the door. I opened the door to a pleasant looking little old man on the campaign trail (Boy, another reason to celebrate this date. It is FINALLY voting day). I politely smiled, took his card and thanked him for coming by. I noticed that he had this relatively puzzled expression on his face. He hesitated for a moment before asking “You are old enough to vote, right?” LOL!!!! Any other time, this would have likely offended me but not this week! I simply said “Um, Yes sir. I’ll actually be 27 tomorrow.” Can you believe it?! I have decided it had to be one of two things:
1.That was his PR tactic to “flatter” me into voting for him.
OR
2.My lack of make-up and ratty pony tail reminded him of someone that would look less than 18 years old.
While I hope to still appear young, I’m not so sure I want to look THAT young. Either way, it was entertaining. I have to conclude by saying that I am very thankful to have lived a happy and healthy 27 years. In the words of one of my colleagues today, “age is just a number, and with each year we get to make new memories, gain more wisdom, and have many great experiences!” I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me at 27. Happy Tuesday!

Life's A BEACH!

Kelly and I are back to the working world from a very fun and much needed vacation to Destin, FL with the Gaskins. We lounged on the beach, laughed A LOT, ate anything in site and even managed to squeeze in a little shopping! Of course I, being the genius that I am, forgot my camera. So, we bought a disposable camera while there and haven’t gotten the pictures developed yet. As soon as I do, I’ll be sure to post them for your viewing pleasure. Until then, check out Jade and Jason’s blog. They will likely have pictures before I can get around to posting any. Happy Thursday!

Happy Birthday Westley, Jill & Billy!

Better late than never, right? My nephew, Westley, celebrated his 10th Birthday July 11! He had a Slip-&-Dip party with friends. The pictures above are of his 9th Birthday when we were at the beach with my family. I came across them a while back and decided to post them on his special day. (or a week later but who’s counting, huh?) What a cutie pie! He is growing up fast! Happy Birthday Westley!!! We love you!!! Many, many more to come! :) Also, another Happy Birthday shout-out to my sister and brother-in-law. They both celebrated birthdays July 18 while at the beach! Isn’t it neat that they have the same birthday? Twice the cake and ice cream!!! I love yall!!

SNAKES in My Head...

You can most likely tell by looking at the pictures above…I have had better weekends. First, let me preface this story by telling you it is going to be L-O-N-G and that there are three things in the world for which I possess phobias:
1.Spiders (the really big nasty ones)
2.Heights-like being way up in the air without walls around me (i.e. on top of a building, sky diving)
3.SNAKES
*The one and only creature in the world that I will attempt to run over with my car AND back over again and again until I’m confident that it is dead.* Late Saturday afternoon, Kelly and I went to his parent’s cabin near the river to cook dinner with some friends. It had rained all day Saturday and was still raining when we arrived. Kelly immediately got out of the car and walked nearby to switch on power to the cabin. I got out of the car in a hurry to get inside out of the rain. I was looking over at Kelly about to say something to him as I was walking…not even paying attention to what was coiled up in the grass a step away from my sandal-clad foot! (It was literally, a STEP away! I’m not exaggerating!!) I certainly believe the good Lord is what caused me to look down right before I stepped beside that hideous monster! At that split second, I let out a strange combination of screams/shrieks/moans and cries while jumping about 5 feet in the air (certainly felt like it anyway). I hardly remember my feet touching the ground I ran back to the car so fast! It was right at this moment that Kelly saw our nicely camouflaged unwanted cabin guest. I’m pretty sure it scared him too! He said with a quivering voice “That’s a rattle snake…a BIG one too!” Yes people, a RATTLE SNAKE (7 Rattlers, I later learned.)He also had this nasty bulge on his side, probably from his last meal.
My legs felt like jelly, and I thought for a minute I was going to be sick. I stayed in the car while Kelly tried to find something to kill it with. Around and around the cabin he searched, and that snake’s head was lifted and watching him the WHOLE time. He finally had to go to a nearby cabin and get a big piece of wood to beat the thing to death. It still jerked around and moved long after it was dead. I sat in the car for about 30 minutes afterwards. I honestly think that was probably the most terrified I have ever been. Granted, I would have been scared silly even if it was a tiny grass snake, but HEY, look at this thing! Even before I almost stepped right beside it I was close enough that it could have probably struck if he had felt so inclined.
Last night, I woke up at 3am because I needed to go to the bathroom but all I could think about was “the snake”. I kept thinking that a snake like that could possibly in our bedroom and I couldn’t see it in the dark! (Crazy, I know). Then, I was thinking about it again today and shortly after opened the door to step outside. Someone had been by on the campaign trail earlier and stuck a card in between our storm-door and the kitchen door. When I opened the door, it slid down and fell to the floor. I screamed…loud…again!! Poor Wendy Gul and Zeek Zeekster didn’t know what to think! Perhaps I’ll get over it eventually. I must also mention that I was walking my usual stretch of road as I do during lunch each day about three weeks ago and happened to come upon a dead water moccasin! Yes, it was dead but still scared me. Nothing like Saturday though! I don’t know what’s up with me and these snakes, but I can tell you that I DON’T LIKE IT! If you have sympathized with me and read this long blog to this point, God Bless you and thank you for your time. May you never experience such a scare! ;)
* Additional note, the pictures were taken by Kelly. No way did I get close enough to take them. My one close encounter was enough!

On a much, much happier note; Jill called this morning after her Dr. visit and said that she got to see Baby Fike’s heart beat and its arm and leg buds!!!! She is 11 weeks. Everything checked out fine. YAY!

We have Trusses!

Fortunately, the rain held off until late yesterday afternoon so they were able to get all of the big trusses up. It was fun watching this huge crane lift the trusses so high in the air. The middle picture is of Kelly helping to secure one of them. You really can’t tell from the picture, but he was pretty high up there! I would never be able to climb that high and focus on what I was doing long enough to hammer it into place. I would no doubt fall and break my neck…or worse! Anyway, the top picture is of the back side of the house and the final shot is of the front. I had to take the pictures from the car since it was poring rain at the time, so they aren’t the best but you get the idea. :) They are working the rest of this week to add the smaller trusses over the porch, etc. Happy hump day!

I'm Gonna Be an AUNT...Again!

I’m going to be an aunt…AGAIN! OMG! I’ve wanted to get that out for days now…whew…I feel like a load has been lifted. :) My sister and brother-in-law are expecting a baby January 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They wouldn’t allow me to share the news for a few weeks, and I just thought I would explode before I had the chance to say it. You see, I have always thought Brandon and Westley would be it for Jill and Billy. They both told me so for so long, I had given up hope years ago. I guess at the time that’s what they thought too! Until awhile back when they decided that they wanted another little Fikes running around. Wow! I was so surprised at that announcement. You can imagine my anticipation every month (we are sisters…there is no such thing as “it is personal wait until they tell me thoughts”). There was an interrogation each and every month! I wanted to know as soon as they found out! I was simply elated when I got the news that she is expecting! There will be 14 years difference between Brandon and the baby and 10 years difference for Westley. So, it has been amusing to get the different responses from people. Some automatically assume that it was an unexpected surprise…um…no! Brandon and Westley are going to be such great big brothers! Now that the official announcement is out, I just want to say that through this news I have been reminded that I don’t know everything. Yep, shocker I know but I really don’t. I think God just looks down from heaven and laughs at me sometimes…well…ok all the time…at things like this. When I get so sure that I know what my life and my family’s lives are going to be like. I think in this case he just grinned when he threw me that curve ball. Or even still, he just shakes his head and says “I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:10-12”. I am so thankful for that. I’m so thankful that I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know that whatever it is, bad or good, I will prosper and have hope. So, I’m going to be an aunt, again!!!!!!! Have I said that already??? :) YEAH!!!! More to come...you better believe it! :)

Happy Father's Day!

I haven’t posted in a few days, so I’m behind in wishing every father…for the very, very few who may be reading this…a happy day. I’m sure you have heard the little saying “anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to be a Daddy”. Well, I couldn’t agree more. It takes a REAL and SPECIAL man to be a Daddy. My Daddy and Daddy-in-law, like many others, totally deserved a day just for themselves. The above picture is of me and my Daddy at the beach on one of our summer vacations. I LOVED the ocean (still do) but was always too afraid to go into the water alone. So, I would always have him carry me through the waves. Needless to say, I was very excited and impatient for him to come out to the beach and take me to the water, so I was just pulling him along. It always seemed like we would go so, so far out but we never really did. There are many other pictures I could have used here, but I have just always liked this one. I showed it to Daddy last night. He liked it too, but I think for a different reason…he was a handsome young fellow. Still is, of course! ;) I love you Daddy!!!

The House

I just thought I would post the latest picture of our house. I took it yesterday afternoon. Things are still moving along nicely. The trusses are scheduled to go up Tuesday although there is a chance for rain. Goodness knows we need it, but I hope it comes Monday or Wednesday instead! We are going to look at brick today. I know I will be overwhelmed at all of the options. I’m afraid it’s going to be hard to decide. That’s just one of the many decisions, I know. Kelly and his Dad are still working hard on it. Over the past two weeks, they have gotten some additional help to speed things along a bit and to assist with some of the more “tricky” parts. I’ll post more pictures after the trusses are up. Happy Friday!

I Have a Dream...

Nope, not the kind you are thinking. I hardly ever remember my dreams when I wake up. Fortunately, I don’t have nightmares very often. I do think; however, that the dream I had last night may classify as a comedic BAD dream! I must explain, before telling you about it, that I telecommute from home. This simply means that I work from a home office and make trips up to Jackson, where the organization I work for is headquartered, only periodically when needed. Well, I dreamed that I woke up this morning and just decided that it would be a good idea to drive up to Jackson (3 hours) and work from Headquarters. I had no specific purpose for it other than I thought it would be “nice”. So, I put on my white ROBE with pink HEARTS and FUZZY UG HOUSE BOOTS, don’t bother with any makeup or putting a brush through my hair, don’t even recall brushing my teeth, and drive to Jackson. Once I arrived at Headquarters, I went straight to my boss’s office (which wasn’t even located where her office actually is but inside the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S SUITE!). She was on the phone, so I plopped down on this bench outside her office and strike up a conversation with the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT! It is only then that I realize two very critical things. A) I am in my ROBE, with FUZZY UG HOUSE BOOTS, NO makeup, nappy hair and bad breath. B) I have NO reason to be there. So, I decide at that moment to panic and try to create a really “good” reason for surprising my boss by driving up to Headquarters. (Not even why I look like I do). The whole time she was on the phone, I was sitting outside her door trying to think of something to say. The last thing I remember thinking about my appearance was, “Well, maybe they will just think that I have on a short dress.” What tha’….that they won’t notice my fuzzy house boots in June, pale face with dark scary under-eye circles, hair that looks like Wendy Gul and Zeek Zeekster have been sucking on its ends, and bad breath that smells like I had a bacon, egg and POO biscuit on the drive up!!!! Where did this come from??!!!
*The picture above is of the robe and house boots that I do actually own. I was just wearing the robe last night before bed, but I haven’t worn those boots since WINTER…and not with the robe even then! I just thought you might enjoy a visual. Yes, you may officially begin to question my sanity now. It’s ok.

Growing Family

For those two or three of you who read this oh so interesting blog, you may recall a previous post last month about Kelly’s cousin, her husband and son welcoming a new baby into the family. Well, I received their sweet birth announcement today and finally have a picture to post of Ally and Big Brother, Cade. Don't you just want to squeeze them until they giggle!? :) We recently learned that Kelly's other cousin (Have I mentioned he has a lot of cousins?)and her husband will be expecting a baby January 31! So, Cade and Ally will have a little cousin of their very own to play with soon! :)

Happy Birthday!

June 11 was Ms. Marsha’s birthday. What a wonderful lady! Thank you, Lord for giving Kelly and I such a caring and thoughtful mother to love. Happy, Happy Birthday and Many, Many more!!!

Old Friends + Their Babies + Festival = FUN!

Pooped Out!


Too Much Festival Fun!



Becky & Asher


Ashley & Erin

I went to Birmingham Saturday to spend some long overdue time with three special college friends and their ADORABLE babies! Ashley, Becky, Erin and I were in the same social club at MUW. Now, we all live in different states so it is rare that we are ever able to see each other at the same time. We went to the Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival in Springville. It was such a neat place! If you have never been, it’s worth the trip. I definitely plan on going back in the fall. There are only certain times of the year that you can attend the festivals. They have everything from fine arts, traditional crafts, pioneer demonstrators, entertainment, great food, and children’s activities.
Although the festival was a lot of fun, my most favorite part of the entire day was lovin’ on Anna Claire, Jake and Asher. It was the first time I got to meet Anna Claire and Asher in person. I really think they liked their “Aunt Sarah” a lot. I mean, check out the picture of all three of them with me. Can’t you tell? Well, I am totally smitten anyway. :) That’s why there are so many pictures. Absolutely no way I could choose just one or two! Saturday just reminded me of how great it is to have those good ole college friends. Even though we hadn’t seen each other in a while it was like we hadn’t really missed a beat. I hope it always remains that way. I also hope that more of the girls can join us next time!

34 and 1

Today is a special day. No, not because it is Friday! :) My parents have been married for 34 years today! Two of the most WONDERFUL people I know. I love them SO much. They have always been so supportive of my sister and me through everything and provided us with such a loving, nurturing and Christian home. They still do! There is no place like home, right!! Today also marks one year in my current job. Wow, how time flies! I can honestly say that I absolutely love what I do and who I work for. It has been a great year working with them. I have learned and experienced so much. So, everyday is a blessing to be celebrated, but I have two extra special reasons to praise the Lord today! What blessings I have received! Happy Anniversary Momma and Daddy! I love you!!

I had a relaxing holiday weekend. Kelly had to work, so I mainly spent time at my parent's house. We grilled and watched movies with my two nephews, Brandon and Westley. My sister and brother-in-law celebrated their twelfth wedding anniversary Sunday. Congratulations guys! Many more to come!

Cha-Cha Chicken Salad

I tried this recipe from the latest Southern Living magazine last week, and it was very good. I ate it with wheat thins. If you are a chicken salad fan, give it a try!

1 8oz. Package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup Mayonnaise
2 tsp. Curry Powder
1 tsp. Salt
6 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (8oz.) can crushed pineapple
2/3 cup orange-flavored sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup chopped roasted, salted almonds

Whisk together cream cheese and next three ingredients in a large bowl; stir in chicken, pineapple, cranberries and almonds just until blended. Chill 8 hours.

TGIF and a Long Weekend Too!

I hope everybody has had a good week. I don’t know about you, but TGIF! I felt a small tremor today. It rattled the windows and scared Wendy Gul and Zeek Zeekster something fierce! What was it you ask? Why, the teachers’ last day of school of course! I think it was them firing up their engines in unison and screeching out of the school parking lots! Hmmm, maybe that could also explain all of this smoke I have been inhaling around the house this week. (Ok, I know I know it’s all of the forest fires…that’s another story.) Anyway, I also even heard the faint echo of Alice Cooper’s song “Schools Out for Summer” in the distance!! I envisioned them blaring this song on their car radios while throwing their faithful red pens out the windows and driving away into the distance. :) On a more serious note, Congratulations to all of you teachers out there who have the next few months off! Stay up late, sleep late, lay by the pool…live it up! Also, I have posted a few pictures of the house that I took this afternoon. They have worked hard this week. Kelly’s uncle Charles Lee even joined in on the fun today. Have a great long weekend!

House Update

Ok, this is my last post for today…I promise! I just wanted to add a few of the newest pictures of our house so far. It has come a long way since I posted shots last month. The top picture was taken May 13, the middle picture May 17, and the last today. We have gotten the plumbing completed and the foundation and porch poured. Today, Kelly and his Dad raised the first of many walls. YAY! How very exciting! More to come! :)

Weekend Wedding

Weekend Wedding

This weekend, Kelly was a groomsman in his friend Rob Miller’s wedding. We left Friday morning headed down to Mobile, AL for the big event. It was great seeing Rob again since it had been quite some time since we last saw each other. This was also the first opportunity I had to meet his sweet bride, Lindsey. Kelly and Rob became friends in college when they played football together at ICC. We also got to hang out with Lewis; another college friend of Kelly’s that we don’t get to see very often. The outside wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Ezell House. It was beautiful! Unfortunately, many of the pictures I took were too dark to post but I did manage to get in a few (check out the slide show above). It was really great to see our old friends again, especially during such a special time. Congratulations and Best wishes Rob and Lindsey!

Thank Heaven for Little Boys!

What a very busy weekend it has been! I have a lot to post about today. First, the most exciting news is that my sweet friend Tori and her husband Bo are the proud parents of a healthy 7 lb 7oz. 20 1/2 in. long baby boy! Brayden Hughes Edmiston was born at 1:14 Friday afternoon. Isn’t he beautiful! Tori and I were in the same social club together at MUW, and she was and still is a special friend to me. How blessed Brayden is to have such a great Mommy and Daddy. Congratulations guys! I can’t wait to meet him!