Day by Day

Happy Birthday

2011-10-25T12:04:00.001-04:00

Cannot Believe my first born will be 7 this week! Time has just flown by!!

Luke Joseph, Born June 3rd 6 lbs 1 oz

2010-10-07T09:39:00.000-04:00

best friends = priceless

2010-04-19T15:51:00.003-04:00

There's a miracle called FriendshipThat dwells within the heart,And you don't know how it happensOr when it gets its start.
But the happiness it brings youAlways gives a special lift,And you realize that friendshipIs God's precious gift. (B. J. Morbitzer)

over the weekend

2010-04-11T17:31:00.004-04:00

Ronnie's baby

Ronnie glueing a wooden race car together for Evan

Evan helping me paint

Evan at his first t-ball game of the season

Open Ceremonies for summer baseball:

What a great Easter!

2010-04-06T12:47:00.007-04:00

We had a great Easter... And the weather! WOW! Friday I had to work so Evan stayed with Jessie and went on another Easter Egg Hunt. We ran errands friday night knowing how busy the weekend was gonna be. We visiting Karen to check on her and her best rest!!! Brooke will be here this week!! (just got the news this morning!) Saturday we went out for breakfast since this is something we never get to do with t-ball taking up every saturday morning. hit a few yard sales got the baby some very cute stuff. then I went home and cleaned like a crazy lady. was able to enjoy dinner on the patio that night~ lovely. Sunday was the prettiest Easter we have had in so long! Went to church, then to Mawmaw's for lunch, then to my Dad's for dinner. Had a great weekend, I was soooo tired monday night i was asleep by 9pm! Tonight Evan and I have a date (while Ronnie is at the bowling alley) to watch Princess and Frog and eat popcorn. We are definatly in summer mode, it just keeps getting busier, tom night is church, thurs night, t-ball (and hopefully Baby Brooke will be here so a hospital visit sometime this week:) fri night open ceremonies at the ball field, and a game on sat at 12! then rest...........

Uncle Patrick, Cece, Evan, Pawpaw, Me

Evan, Rusty and Pawpaw

Little Brother, Justin and me

Ronnie, Evan and Ronnie's Mom, Mawmaw

little handsome man!

lovin the Easter Bunny!

Uncle Justin, Annette, Ronnie, Me , Mawmaw, Evan, Nana and Papa

13 more weeks!

Evans eggs, he wrote his name on it by himself with that invisable pencil, thought he did great not seeing what he was writing!

These are outside the skating ring, waiting for Jenna's bd party...

BTW... only 13 more weeks to go!! I have been slack on the blogging, but everything is going very good. no sickness, but i am having the "growing" pains this go round. my feet are swelling, something i did not do with Evan. I go for my glucose testing tom. I have already passed this once earlier on so I hope I pass again. B/C of Evans size they do want to start checking me at 37 weeks for a "possible" induction at 39 weeks, but I will believe it when I see it. I would have to get lined up with Dr Lipscomb every appoint (which can be arranged :)

Past few weeks....

2010-03-15T20:36:00.002-04:00

Nana and Evan

Grandma Rodgers "some" of her Grandchildren.... Brianna, Evan, Alexia and Bryce

Evan's first time playing twister...quite funny

My Mom(L), Grandma, Aunt Anita (top), Aunt Dana (R)

Evan helping paint the nursery

2010-02-15T18:52:00.002-05:00

playing the snow at school...looks like they had a blast!! His teacher took these pics, I thought they came out great!

ITS A BOY!!

2010-02-15T18:50:00.004-05:00

snow days

2010-02-15T17:34:00.004-05:00

Our romantic Valentines Dinner with Evan :)

Snow Days

I like this one

The Hussey Clan...

snowy days...

2009-12-22T10:33:00.003-05:00

Evan was loving the snow....

2009 HOLIDAY "SELF PORTRAITS"

2009-12-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2009

2009-12-09T13:56:00.004-05:00

We have already been so busy it feels like! I kind of like rushing around and then stopping that last 2 weeks and having nothing to do, just sit back look at all the beautiful decorations, watch Christmas movies, bake cookies....

I am officially 10 weeks preggo today. I feel great (esp if I compair to my pregnancy with Evan) I am tired (could sleep right now!) but other than that feel good. Here are a few Christmas pics....

2009-11-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

2009-10-05T14:18:00.001-04:00

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. Happy Fall!

It's been along time!

2009-08-12T12:14:00.024-04:00

Wow, it feels like it has been a while since I updated. We have had several exciting things going on. We just got home from the beach this past weekend. We went for a week to Myrtle Beach and yes I have about 450 pictures!! Before we went we paid our last credit card bill!!!!!!! We are officially dept free! That has been a goal of ours since January 2007. Another thing we wanted to do was purchase another car, we have a blazer that is just getting up there in miles but is fine other than that, then ronnie has a classic camero he drives to car shows. We were able to get a really good deal on a used Toyota Camry, I have been so excited about how many miles I get to a tank of gas (esp compaired to our other 2 cars). Before we would drive the blazer to the beach fill up to leave, fill up when we got there, fill up to come home, fill up to go back to work on monday. The Camry, filled up to leave and still had 1/4 tank left to come home on so we filled up and I am still driving on that!! love it!! Ronnie and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary on Aug 1st. (that is the day we left for the beach) ! Go us!

Evan has been playing tiny tots t-ball he has really enjoyed it. We signed him up Sunday for fall ball he is excited, he has baseball pants, cleats, ball bag and everything he thinks he is something :)

Since I have tons of beach pics I will try to post just some of my favs....

We had a great time, great weather and a cute place. We went to the beach with the Fie family. So we had 2 fully loaded 4 yr old boys and a sweet 2 yr old girl. Where we stayed you took a golf cart everywhere so the kids loved that. They had really nice pools (crowded but nice). We went to the Tanger outlets, Barefoot landing, ate at the Giant Crab then on Ronnie and I's date night we went to T-Bonz.

Evan "surfing"

Me and Evan
Evan and Daddy

Jenna

"Fie's"

James, Jessie, Jenna and Jonah

Jonah

Evan, I cant decide if I like this pic or not

Our family of 3

Jessie and James

sunset

I love the colors in this pic

Jonah, resting after surfing

They were "hitting" the waves....everything is baseball related

I love this pic of Jonah
I like this pic of Evan, he is getting so big
Love this pic of Jenna!!

Big Daddy

they played lots of games, baseball, football and we had 2 other ball hitting/catching games. there was jellyfish warnings up about the whole week so the games kept them out of the water which made us feel better :)

puttin' around

Jessie and Jenna

Evan is fascinated by tattoo's (praying it is a phase). He loved getting this airbrushed tattoo.

riding the waves

Evan had never had crab legs and he kept running his mouth that he was going to out eat Jessie in crad legs,,,, he did not. But I was proud of him for eating them! This was at the Giant Crab. Ronnie ate the crab legs for me, I do not like them.

Evan bungy jumping, he wanted to do it then got up there and was like ummmhhh

outside of the Giant Crab

Fies's outside the Giant Crab

my love

like this one too

splash zone, I think the adults loved this pool just as much as the kids, we sat in it right along with them!

sleepy heads

another one of my favs! I did not get one of Evan by himself in the lifeguard stand, kick myself....roadtrip!!

I realized I got alittle black and white crazy, I think I was picking it up and snapping on some and not really wanting them in black and white. Jessie took all her's in color so I am anxious to check those out. I wish I was still there!!

Finally a post...

2009-07-05T20:24:00.023-04:00

Feels like a long time since I have posted. We have had alot going on but seems like not alot worth posting. So, some things that have been going on so far this summer, in no order!

The birth of my newest great nephew Tanner Andrew Brown, he was born at 33 weeks, weighing a little over 4 lbs

I had never held a baby that small. He was so active too!

Evan, Tanner and Lorelai (Tanner's big sister, she was very territorial)

We went swimming at a Jessie's Dad's house. The kids had a blast! It was nice sitting in the kiddie pool just watching them run and swim around.

A few shots I have taken in our pool:
He wants to be in the pool all the time. He is swimming all the time without swimmies, he jumps in over and over. Loves going under water he is a little fish, something he honestly got from me :)

Swimming with friends,

Jenna

Jonah doing flips into the pool, thought it made some cool shots

Justin (my little brother's) 21st birthday!!!! At Kanpai

Mawmaw, Stepdad and my Mom

U.Tom and Aunt DonnaAnnette and Justin

Justin and Evan, waiting for our table....man I still cannot believe he is 21!!!!!!!

Justin's Girlfriend Annette graduated in June this was at her party

Evan went on a field trip to Build A Bear, (a first for both of us) We left with a chocolate brown bear named "bubbles". I have been very suprised at how close him and bubbles have been. I thought he might just wind up in the pile with the rest of the animals but I was wrong.

It is a sin at what they charge in there! We left with a bathing suit and surf board for bubbles. I would like to get him some pj's or something....but I will go in by myself and pick them out..heehee

Thursday Evan went and spent the night at Pawpaw and Cece's for the first time. They were the first ones who ever babysat him but he had never stayed all night. He had a blast, sounds like they all had a good time.

Getting the feed for the deers

Rusty fetches the paper every morning all by himself,,, guess Evan was trying to help

Evan and Pawpaw love their celery and peanut butter

Friday night Cece and Pawpaw took us out to The Depot (Cody Creek) it was soooo good!!!!!

Fourth of July... Sturday we had Family Fun Day at church, then we went to the Pilot Mtn car show, then to King Fireworks. We had a great day, but we crashed when we got in the bed...after 11:30.

The new DASH came to family fun dayMy car....heehee
Papa and the Nova

We ran into Gracie at the car show, she loves Evan and he is a typical boy....he must lead her on :)

Later at the fireworks:

2009-06-18T08:40:00.001-04:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...
Women are like phones:
They like to be held, talked to, and touched often.
But push the wrong button and your butt is disconnected.

A funny I received from a friend

2009-06-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

True Friendship.

On this card-
Just the stone cold truth
Of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad,
I will jump on the person
Who made you sad
Like a spider monkey
Jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue,
I will try to dislodge
Whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile,
I will know you are
Plotting something
That I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared,
We will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried,
I will tell you horrible stories about how much w orse
It could be until you
Quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused,
I will use little words.

7. When you are sick,
Stay away from me
Until you are well again.
I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall,
I'll pick you up
And dust you off--
After I laugh my rear off!!

9. This is my oath...
I pledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;
-- because you are my FRIEND!
***********************Friendship is like peeing your pants,
Everyone can see it,
B UT only YOU
Can feel the
True warmth.
**********************

2009-06-02T13:57:00.002-04:00

Friday the 22nd I took of work to take Evan on a field trip to build a bear then we went by Baptist and ate lunch with my Dad and Stepmom (they were working). Daddy wanted Evan to see the helicopter, we had to wait while they went to a scene, but below are the pics. Evan thought it was cool. The pilot was nice enough to let him sit in it.

Thursday and friday Evan had a upset stomach, I was praying it was not the stomach bug. Saturday we were having a yard sale (with my mom) and she called me at 7 am telling me she wanted to vomit and had diarh. sooo we went on and had the yard sale. Then Sunday morning my stepmom calls and my Dad is down with the bug, then later that day I was too. I was out of commission until wednesday! This one is a doozy. I lost 11 lbs from Sunday thru Thursday. I finally just yesterday feel back to normal. I have been so tired that has been more of a problem than anything.

We had our first pool/cookout this weekend. The weather was so nice. I had to do a lot of work on the pool this year with the pollen being so bad. Because of the warm weather the water is already 80 degrees. Evan wants in it all the time and I cant get him out. As soon as I walked in the door last night.....can we get in the pool?

Garden update, I need to get the weeds out, having some weed control issues this year.

This past Saturday Justin and I took my Mom and Stepdad to the airport for Vegas for 2 weeks!! They will return on the 13th, then on the 14th Justin turns 21!! were has time gone! (wish I was 21) They are in Vegas for a bowling tournament. It feels weird mom not being here. I am already ready for the weekend. No big plans just ready to be at home :) Saturday we have our company picnic to attend, then we have a cookout sunday after church with the Hill Family.

Hopefully the exciting news of the week will be a fellow blogger Tori will be having a baby this week!!! Go Tori!....push,push,push :)

First "brief" Fishing Trip

2009-05-17T18:00:00.008-04:00

Saturday Justin (my bro.) called and wanted to take Evan fishing. Justin was going to be in a fishing tournament late that night and needed some bait. I let him go, then Ronnie and I went to the grocery store came back got everything up and rode out there so I could get some pics....plus Justin called needing some more worms! Ronnie and I have had a cold/allergies something all weekend with the sore throat runny nose yucky stuff. So it was good for Evan to get out :)
I played with the pictures in my photo shop thought I would share some before and afters, this is something I rarely get to do due to time, but I love doing it. The only issue I have is when I develop them the "effects" are not centered like i may have a 3 sided border...something I need to work on :)

original

One of my favorite things to play with is the "time machine" on my program

Orig:

with time machine....like 1839 but I love the effect

Orig:

BBQ RULES

2009-05-14T08:54:00.001-04:00

We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore, it is important to refresh our memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events are put into motion immediately:

Basic Routine…
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - drink in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory 10 feet diameter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.

Here comes the First important part…

(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine...

(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another drink while he flips the meat.

Now the Second Important part…

(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

More routine...

(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauce and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And now the most important part of all…
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for this wonderful meal and HIS expert cooking20efforts.

Last step of Routine…

(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed her 'night off ', and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

pirctures,pictures,pictures

2009-05-11T19:49:00.004-04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!! Friday night we went to Waldo's for some wings and Mom went with us. Actually got to see Erin while we were there so that was cool and overdue :) Saturday we went to Taylor's 8th birthday: Sunday got up, went to church came home cleaned (for the cookout later) then layed down for a while and snuggled with Evan. Then we had a cookout with Nana,Papa and Mawmaw.
Here is my camera strap cover : I like it...

Evan's new found love "Basketball" he talks about basketball all the time. It started with High School Musical which he saw at Daycare. I found him a basketball goal on craigslist for 65.00 ....I will say now it has been the best 65.00 I have spent in a long time.

We went Saturday and visited with Ronnie's Mom for Mothers Day. Evan likes to go over there because there is 9000 knick knacks he can pick up and re-arrange :)

(makes me crazy)

I cut Evan's hair here is a before and after ....I cut too much !

Garden update....for the first time, I am disappointed I think I must have waiting longer this year than I normally do to get things started. My tomatoes are not very big, I have lettuce, onions, cabbage, green peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, cucumbers. I tried something new by putting my cherry tom. upside down (to see what all the hype is about)

This is an "Angels Trumpet" plant someone gave me, so I need to research how to care for it. I understand it is poisinous to animals and kids.

How the Snowball bush got it's name...it looked like it had snowed in the garden Sat morning:)

A hydrangea I got at my Grandpa's funeral, it is a beautiful color. I love Hydrangea's.

Last weekend we had our Mother Daughter banquet at church. It was "Mom and Me as Sweet as Can Be" with a candyland theme:

Well I have put this off long enough

2009-04-27T19:44:00.007-04:00

Last week was not so good for me, last Saturday as I was working in the garden I got a call from my Dad. He said Grandpa is not doing good, and that I needed to be on call for the next couple of days. They were planning on putting him in hospice on Monday. Karen and Joey had stopped by for a little while and the guys went to look at a classic car for Joey. Dad called back, Grandpa was gone. It was a shock, even with the warning from that afternoon I was not expecting a call 6 hours later with that kind of news. He was 89 years old, he was the best Grandpa in the world. He had been in a nursing home for a while now my Grandma lives upstairs in the assisted living facility. We went to Charlottesville Tuesday and had the service on Wednesday. Daddy was an only child and I am his only child so not alot of family but Grandpa had 7 brothers and sisters and there are 3 remaining. 2 were able to come and some cousins so that was really nice. It was hard, they read a letter I wrote him for his birthday last year, it just had alot of things I wanted to make sure he knew, about how great he was. They did a military service at the grave side and when they got done folding the flag, they gave it to me! That was a surprise my Dad arranged. It meant so much. Those are such emotional funerals. My Mom's Dad had a military funeral at Fort Bragg, it is something you will never forget. I know it honors them but it really is hard, so now everytime I hear taps I lose it. You know how you hate to say you had a favorite.....well he was it. I think for possibly the first time in my life, my heart just hurt. I understand the meaning of a broken heart. I am thankful that I had him for as long as I did, but sad for Evan.

I hope this does not disburb anyone...some families do and some don't.

This is my Grandpa's brother Walter, they look so much alike I had a hard time looking at him.

I do like this pic

On a better note, last Friday Evan, Mom and I went to the Zoo with Evan's school. My legs were sore, I felt like we walked 15 miles :) It was a beautiful day though and we had a great time. I have alot of pics but here are a few.

I realized last week that we had a nest of baby Robins, I took a pic when I found them so I just ran outside and took an update. Looks like they may be taking flight soon.

I went to a garden club yard sale saturday and picked up tomato plants, (free cabbage), got an Angels trumpet plant free, and bought a blue berry bush. So fruit wise we are up to Plums, Pears and Blueberry's! love it!
We are having a mother daughter banquet at church saturday night and I have been busy during the week helping with that. I have 4 loads of laundry that need to be done so Ronnie is letting me know I should probably get off here and get that done :) he must want something out of there ....

This is my snowball bush, Grandpa gave me a cutting probably about 7 years ago , it is from a bush that belonged to my Grandmothers Mother.

Easter weekend

2009-04-16T17:23:00.006-04:00

The camera strap project: It cost me .53 cent for this!! I like it. Mom and I have the same camera so there is no more wonder who's camera.

Friday night we dyed Easter eggs, I think Jesse and I did more of it as they were to busy playing :)
After we dyed eggs it was bath time.... thought these were cute

"Iam queen of this bathtub!"

I love this one!!!

the one of Evan was blurry

Saturday Afternoon was the central park egg hunt, it was a beautiful (windy/cold) day

Then Easter Morning, I had not really told Evan anything about the "Easter Bunny" so I think he was surprised to wake up to a basket of goodies....although he never asked "who brought this?"

Then it was off to church, then to Mawmaw's for lunch, then to my dad's for dinner. A busy day, but a good one

Tomorrow we are off to the Zoo! I am excited, he has not been since he was 2 I think he is really going to enjoy it. BTY, I went to the fabric store and bought stuff for baby presents, will post when I get them started.

I know I have mentioned this before...

2009-04-15T08:55:00.001-04:00

But I just spent an hour looking at a new blog, "My Spare Time". This is an awesome blog for crafty people. She has tons of sewing ideas and directions. Very cool. Makes me want to go home and start sewing! I have several baby showers coming up so think that might be the theme this time, handmade burpclothes, tag blankets (which I have made in the past), blankets. I want to go to the fabric store now :) I love to sew, I can get impatient with it. I thought of Anna and Torie for this site as they have that same crafty desire I have. I think we need to call a lesson and have Anna teach us about her new "sew on" appliques. If I can make anything look worthy enough I will be sure to post pics....by the way I did do the camera strap and I love it! will post pics tomorrow night.
Happy Wednesday!

2009-04-13T08:27:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder I have added some very cool blogs I thought everyone would enjoy, very creative party ideas, gift ideas and crafts. I am addicted to checking these out! They have very very cool ideas. If you have any others that you think I would enjoy please pass along. I love the crafty creative ones! Makes you want to go home and make something. Which the ones I looked at this morning makes you want to throw a baby shower :)

2009-04-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

Long time no Blog!

2009-04-09T17:41:00.008-04:00

Feels like forever since I have blogged! Guess we have either had alot going on or nothing worth talking about :) not sure which. We had a few birthday parties last month Alex turned 4 and Jenna turned 2. One of the big things going on right now is I have took on the project of painting the living room. I have been actively reading everyone else's blogs all this time and have found some new ones I found interesting and added them to my list along with a few with buttons I added. One is all about parties! thought everyone would enjoy this one. One mentions a camera strap I have went and bought the fabric today so will be attempting that tonight. I am excited about dragging out the sewing machine, it has been awhile. I am wanting to make some aprons, I need to convert a pair of Evans jeans to shorts. I would like to make some cloth napkins I have a whole list of "would like to..." as I know all us Mom's have. I will let you know how the camera strap turns out. Here are some pics from my vacation of blogging....

Our last trip to Fayettville, Evan got to go to his first Hockey game, it was military nigt, great game and I love the flag picture it was really pretty.

Cousins, Evan and Cooper silly boys!

I like this pic, Evan with his great grandpa...I wish they could have known each other...

One of the Snow days.

Jenna's 2nd Birthday at Chucky Cheese...

Evan and Jonah, they loved this slide

The boys working on my coffee table.

I like this... Love watching him write and learn

The garden, I have planted onions, cabbage red and reg, leaf lettuce and head lettuce.

The new addition to our family "Cally" she is surely Evan's cat!

Ronnie's 2 babies :)

Ahhh the chore of painting, I get all excited and modivated then after a while you are like ugghhh this is such a yucky thing to do!! I still have to do a second coat. I plan on getting through this weekend then monday night starting again. It is climbing up that 10 ft ladder over and over that makes this room such a chore. any volunteers?

I did have one volunteer that wanted to help :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter. We will be busy, saturday we have an Easter egg hunt at central park, then Sunday church, lunch at Mawmaw and dinner at Dad's. Ahhh Spring, I love it~

2009-03-12T08:25:00.002-04:00

Getting to know me Wednesday
Here's the rule: Bold the things you've done & post on your blog!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii....
5. Watched a meteor sower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I wouldn't be able to eat it, if I did)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Thought this interesting, it was on my bank's webpage when I signed in this morning...

2009-03-11T07:42:00.000-04:00

Credit OR Debit?
Credit OR Debit?
Which Should You Choose?
PICTURE THISYou’re standing in line at the local grocery store, you swipe your Truliant Check Card through the card reader and the cashier asks you, “credit or debit?” How should you respond? Is one method more beneficial than the other? Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that the purchase will always be deducted from your Truliant checking account, and the transaction will appear on your monthly statement. Since the money comes from your checking account either way, why should it matter which option you choose?
AVOID USING YOUR PINBy choosing the “credit” option, you are not required to enter your PIN number in public and the cashier will give you a receipt to sign. Utilizing credit instead of debit gives you added security against fraudulent activity with Visa’s Zero Liability policy.
PROTECT YOURSELFBy choosing the credit option for a small purchase – $10 to top off your gas tank – it may not matter. But for major purchases or when dealing with an unfamiliar merchant, you should choose the “credit” (no PIN required) option. This option gives you additional consumer safeguards you don’t get with a “debit” option or when paying by check or cash. You can learn about these consumer safeguards at visa.com.
For example, if the new dining room table arrives with a large scratch and the store where you purchased the table refuses to take responsibility, you can “charge back” the purchase price if you purchased the table with the “credit” (no PIN required) option. You will be credited the amount while we help you resolve your dispute.
For the most part, “credit” transactions are more efficient and less costly than “debit” transactions. The money that Truliant saves in credit transactions is returned to you in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan rates and fees. Truliant recommends that you choose the “credit” option when using your Visa® Check Card.
Are you asking yourself “WHEN SHOULD YOU CHOOSE DEBIT?” The answer is when you are receiving cash back. You’ll probably save yourself a trip to the ATM and possibly avoid an ATM fee.

CUTE EMAIL I GOT...

2009-02-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

RETARDED GRANDPARENTS
(this was actually reported by a teacher) After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following: We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona . Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on. At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night --- early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck. My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too.. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren. ..... PRICELESS

FW: ONLY A MOTHER WOULD KNOW.....

2009-02-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

An email I received, thought too cute not to share:

Cup of Tea
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift and it was one of my favorite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up. Then she says, (as only a mother would know.. :)'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?'

Visiting Pawpaw and Cece's

2009-02-10T10:32:00.010-05:00

Sunday we went to Pawpaw and Cece's for dinner here are some pix, Evan had a great time with Rusty as you can see. Cece made a wonderful Lasagna I had to get the recipe for. ( I make the one on the back of the no boil box, it is good but not like that one). Evan was asleep before we got out of the neighborhood for he played so hard.

**trying to let his hair grow out, it is starting to bug me, but it is wavy and I want to see what it looks like longer.

Last weekend we went to Charlottesville, here are some pics from that trip. It takes us about 4 hours to get there. Saturday night Evan got a fever after we got in the room, that was interesting not having the comforts of home like a thermometer! Sunday we woke up and he said he was not hungry and we went to Bodo's Bagels, ( I recommend!) and he took in his doggy "jake". Jake is his baby, always has been. Tracey our old babysitter ,her son actually had "tippy" and Evan feel in love with him while staying there and she found "Jake" in a store one day so we would have an extra as we all know what happens when you loose a baby. He sleeps and rubs the dogs tale in between his fingers. Well on the way home Evan started getting sleepy after lunch and I said just get Jake and sit back for alittle while, he said I dont see Jake! I start searching and we get to a gas station and NO JAKE! I call the hotel and they said NO JAKE, then I remember I let him take him in Bodo's b/c he was not feeling well. Since I did not have their number we had to wait until we got home. I called and they have Jake, she said she would ship, that was on Sunday....we still do not have Jake, I did call back and they said they have mailed it, that was last thurs. hopefully he will be here today. Evan comes home and runs to the mailbox everyday. He is substituting with Lamby, but she is not Jake! He says, mommy I want Jake, I bet he is cold! It is sad. Cross your fingers he will be here today!

On the ride up.

Playing tap the balloon

It was my Grandpas 89th birthday Saturday

Grandpa and Grandma Bishop

Grandpa, Evan and me

Ronnie and Evan~~~ Ronnie was wanting to have a wheelchair race.

Tagged

2009-01-29T11:24:00.004-05:00

This is for Pam's tag, you have to go to your undeveloped picture file, go to the 6th file and get the 6th picture, here it is..... Evan and Pawpaw

Evan's first boat ride, we went to Lake Norman, it was a beautiful day! He loved it!! I like this pic!

Lysol

2009-01-27T08:25:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update, Last Tuesday night Evan started throwing up, I changed the sheets, put him back to bed then less than an hour later I was changing sheets again. He went and layed down on the bathroom rug and went to sleep, so I made him a pallet and Ronnie slept outside the door with him. I stayed home with him on Wednesday. Thursday he went to school and had a field trip to McDonald's (b/c it starts with "M") Thursday night we started again, once again after the 2nd set of sheet changing he wanted a pallet in the bathroom floor, i took a pic it was pitiful. I thought I was playing mind games with myself each time my stomach turned I thought oh please no!! We went all weekend and were fine, a very low key weekend (just in case). WELL, sure enough yesterday was my turn. I ate breakfast and felt like pooo the rest of the afternoon, aroung 3 it got unbearable. I finally made it home took a hot hot shower ( i was shivering) got in the bed and never got out...except when i had too :( Ronnie was awesome, he does really good when I am sick he shut the bedroom doors, brought me a drink and would not let Evan even come in our room. He made them dinner, baths, even layed out todays school clothes. (they do pay attention) he slept on the couch last night. I bet he has sprayed 3 bottles of lysol since last Tuesday! He does not like this virus!! This is the one virus I have to say I would about rather have anything else! I am at work today trying to hold on. I am very very sleepy. My boss is not here b/c guess what...she has it now! I pray Ronnie does not get it. I will update later, hope you all have a great week!

Monday...

2009-01-19T10:59:00.002-05:00

Crossing our fingers and toes for some Snow! I just want Evan to see it!! I find it strange that when we were little we always had a good sleeding, snowman building snow. Since I have been an "adult" I only remember having a few good snows and they were years ago! What is going on!! I do not want sooo much because I still have to come to work. But Ronnie does not so him and Evan can stay home and play. Have not had a lot to post about lately. Doing a lot of deep cleaning on the weekends, getting things pulled in to a yard sale pile, throwing out and re-organizing. Feels good! I did the office and some of my bedroom this weekend. Last week was the kitchen and Evans room. We did not do alot this weekend, visited the Fie's friday night, saturday night after dinner ( a great one, London Broil and baked potato) went to mom's to shoot pool. Sunday church then came home ate lunch layed in bed and did not get out till 5 then got up and made potato soup, We love it. And of course I have to work Monday while some lucky people I know are off work today!! (mom, erin....) Please pray that everything lines up that we can go to Charlottesville to see my Grandparents this month my Grandpa will be 89 on the 31st and is not doing to good right now. Just need some extra help getting everything lined up. Well guess I am off to clipping coupons, it is grocery week :) Hope everyone has a great week.

2009-01-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

APHORISM:
A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE EXPRESSING A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH

The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.

Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.

Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

Scratch a cat and you will have a permanent job.

No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car.

There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.

No one ever says 'It's only a game.' when their team is winning.

I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.

Be careful reading the fine print. There's no way you're going to like it.

The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?
(And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)

Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than in a Yugo.

After 50, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead!!

Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind, and the ones who mind, don't matter.

snowflake update

2009-01-03T19:44:00.005-05:00

Here is how the snowflake press came out. I was unable to use the recipe it came with because I did not have lemon extract nor the almond extract. I thought they are very cute, Evan and Jonah enjoyed helping me. Then I made some blue sugar to sprinkle on them. We got alittle carried away with the sugar, but they sure are pretty.

A little late,

2009-01-03T13:10:00.002-05:00

Here is some holiday baking I wanted to post, Anna, tried your recipe and they were great and very very quick and easy. I called them Reindeer droppings :) We made lots of treats, snickerdoodle cookies, pretzel rods, peanut butter choc.chip cookies, ranch crackers, peppermint bark, haystacks, I feel I am forgeting some. But here are some pics,

My Dad and Stepmom went to Nova Scotia in October and for Christmas they gave me a pottery cookie press with a beautiful snowflake impression. I plan on making those today so I will post how they come out!

Happy 2009 to you all!

2009-01-03T12:01:00.011-05:00

Whew, another year gone. We have been home since Christmas Eve and are returning back to work Monday, it is depressing how fast time flies!
We had a great Christmas We had 5 Christmas' in 3 days. So come Friday I had a Christmas hangover I was worn out. And Evan was pleeding to stay home and just play. Friday I got up and Mom and I went on our annual day after Christmas shopping trip. I have to say we did really good this year. Monday morning Evan starting acting like he was not feeling well. By that night he had a 102 temp. this went on for about 3 days, lots of sniffles, barking (that seal barking cough). And you guessed it, guess who has it now :0 Mommy of course. I am doped up on Nyquil and cold and cough meds during the day. I have alot of sinus pressure, the same cough and runny nose. it is yucky. But at least we were off work this week so that helped. Because everyone was so sick, we have not done alot this week. I am catching up on laundry today, fun I know. Here is some pix from the past 2 weeks, I have alot so here are some of the best.....

Christmas at the Nicgorski's, Thought this was cute, but it will not be cute the older they get :0

Visiting with Dear Friends, This is some family friends, Paul and Gwen. They gave Evan the Camo outfit, and he had to put it on right then and there!!

Christmas at Pawpaw and Cece's Christmas Eve:

Bring it on! I think Ronnie was more excited about this than Evan! And yes, Ronnie has played over and over!! Cece,Pawpaw,Evan, Busby and Rusty

Making Santa cookies with Pawpaw

Christmas Morning:

This is all he kept asking for, Buzzlightyear.

Evan and his stocking, and his new track suit, he put on when he opened.

Christmas at Nana and Papa's:

Christmas at Aunt Donna's:

Uncle Justin,Cuzzy Jonathan and Evan, the silly photo

Me, Ronnie, Nana, Papa, Aunt Donna,Tom, Justin Mawmaw, Jonathan and Evan

Annette,Uncle Justin and Evan, he was so tired. Christmas at my Sister n laws with Ronnie's family:

play days...

I hope you have a great 2009. I have lots of goals and dreams for 2009, I hope I can stay strong and see those through!! Until next time....

Christmas Eve Eve

2008-12-23T06:56:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Wonderful and Safe Christmas. We had Christmas with my Mom's best friend "Memaw Gwyn" last night. We had Roast, veggies and cobblers for dessert. Then we opened our presents. I got a beautiful vase from Seagrove pottery! Love it!! Tonight we have a candlelight service at church, then tomorrow Christmas Eve I have to work from 6am-2pm then we are headed to my Dads for Christmas dinner, I want to start some new traditions this year. We will bake cookies for Santa at my Dads (gingerbread cookies) then after we open our presents, put on our pj's he will read "The night before Christmas" and we will head home. Christmas morning we get up and have our Christmas, and I make Country Ham Biscuits ( some how or reason I have done this now for 12 years) Then we will head to my Mom's and have Christmas with them. THEN at 4:30 we will go to my Aunt Donna's and have Christmas Dinner and open with that side of the family. Then on Friday I will get up at dawn and go shopping. I love it! I get all my paper, holiday decorating goodies and gifts for next year. Friday evening we will head to my sister-n-law's house to exchange with his side of the family and eat our Christmas meal with them. Then on the 4th day we rest!!! It always a busy holiday for us but it is a family filled holiday. Unfortunatly it always seems to go by fast. I love Christmas and would love to stretch it out. I will be out of work from tomorrow until the 5th. That part is awesome!! My Mom's birthday is New Years Eve so we always have a party for that. We will be at the bowling alley having a cosmic party with pizza and wings. I wish you all family time this year, along with good food, good friends, and a slow pace. I pray you know the real meaning of Christmas not the greedy one many know today. I also pray you instill the real meaning of Christmas in your Children it is the greatest gift. You should read, "God Gave us Christmas" it is about a family of polar bears and the baby polar bear confused about God and Santa at Christmas time. Very good book for kids. Evan liked it, he even had questions afterward. His teacher read him the candy cane story and he really liked that one too. He will show you the candy cane in the shape of a J and tell you what the colors mean, it is cute!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Parade Update

2008-12-11T10:41:00.006-05:00

Cold Cold Cold, it was so cold at the King Parade!! Here is some pics, When we left it started snowing it was very cool, wish I had got a pic of that.

Photo update

2008-12-05T09:12:00.012-05:00

Well, I am like Torie, I like to have photo's when I post. Lately I have been slack on posting the photos, so here is a photo update.

We took Evan on his first trip to the Dentist. He did very good. Jesse worked on him first then the dentist came in. He has 2 very very small cavities so he will need to go back, they said they are small so he can wait as long as he takes good care of them. I was very bothered that he had/has these cavities and I dilute his juice, make him drink lots of water. He is not a big candy eater. But they said it is hereditary so may not have anything to do with our "habits" still bothers me!

Friday night we went out to dinner for Jesse's birthday then to the mall, while we where there we checked to see if Santa had a line, no body, so we let them go see Santa.
Jenna was not too sure about this!

Thanksgiving day, I think this is the only Pic I took, Daddy and Evan
Friday after Thanksgiving we decorated the tree and house.

Do you ever catch yourself just starring at your tree.....I love my tree and ornaments, I remember where they came from, who they came from. I always said should I have to leave the house quickly I hope I have enough time to grab my ornaments!

Evan and I getting starting on some holiday baking. He kept saying it was Christmas Eve b/c the tree was up, then he said no, it is not snowing yet. I thought you will be disappointed if you are wainting for a white christmas in king! We made peanut butter choc. chip cookies and ranch oyster crackers. As of today the cookies are gone so we will make another batch of something probably snickerdoodles this weekend. ---Im ready for some sausage balls!

Before Thanksgiving my Mom's sister Anita and Family came and stayed for the weekend.

This weekend is the King Parade, So I will be posting those pix as well. Evan is on a field trip today "Kersey Valley Christmas" in highpoint. Nana went so she has her camera with her and will hopefully get some good pix. They are going to pick out a tree for their class, hayride, hot choc, bouncy house. Lots of fun.

Turkey Hangover

2008-12-01T11:12:00.002-05:00

Whew, Thanksgiving flew by! We had Thanksgiving with my mother-n-law Wednesday night then Thursday we had my Mawmaw's then went to my Dads that night. Friday morning I was standing outside Kohls at 3:50, then at 4:30 we were at Toys-r-us, then walmart, goodys, (starbucks), target, shoe carnival, old time pottery then garden ridge. This was my first Black Friday shopping trip. I admit it was fun I did not need alot so I did not spend alot but Jesse who I went with really racked up on some great deals esp at Toys r us! So I do think I will do it again. I am headed to the mall after work for one of Ronnie's gifts. I did alot of wrapping this weekend and we got all the decorations out. I still have a bathroom to do and the outside. This saturday is the king parade! We always enjoy that. Next friday evan is in his first Christmas play (that he actually will speak in) he is in the one at church every year, but his age group just sings. So this will be entertaining I am sure :) After that we are headed up to Nancy Brady's for hay rides and hot choc. and looking at all the lights. His class was invited to a Brady pizza party and hay ride. (we did this last year too,,,her grandaughter is in Evans class) I also want to squeeze in Tanglewood this season, It has been along time since we went there. I am on the phone "penciling" in the Nicgorski family as we all know how this time of year gets! We have a ornament exchange tradition we do with them. It is very nice. I really like to be done with everything by the second week in dec. everything bought, wrapped and done. So I can sit back and enjoy the season. I love watching all the Christmas movies, reading the books to Evan, drinking hot choc. in front of the fire staring at the tree. It is hard to do that when everything is not "wrapped" up. Evan is going on a field trip friday to a tree farm to cut down a fresh tree for his class and then they are going to see santa. My mom is going with him this trip so I can save my time to take off from the 25th-5th.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and you are able to slow down and enjoy the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year!

2008-12-01T11:10:00.001-05:00

Motherhood forces us to hone muscles we never knew we had; to question our choices and goals; to reshape our relationships with family, friends, spouses; and most important, to rethink who we are and where we're going.
-Ann Pleshette Murphy,arthor

get to know you, Christmas style

2008-11-25T16:20:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!! Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis' the Season to be NICE!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mostly paper but some bags
2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? usually the day after Thanksgiving but this yr we did it the weekend before...
4. When do you take the tree down? after new years
5. do you like eggnog? LOVE IT
6. Favorite gift received as a child? ? too many, loved them all!
7. Hardest person to buy for? older brother, stepdad
8. Easiest person to buy for? Evan, Ronnie
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? MAIL
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? now now its the thought that counts!! LOL
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? too many
13. When do you start shopping? day after Christmas
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yep
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? peanut butter balls and sausage balls
16. Lights on the tree? YES, lots of them
17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary did you know
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home as in yes we stay in the area..
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? ?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning (santa), family eve and the day after
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? nothing...
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? red and silver,,,,and lime this year
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? honey baked ham
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For everyone to be able to be with their family

GIFT CARDS

2008-11-19T07:41:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give everyone a heads up that if you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored after the holidays. Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as 'Bankrupcy Planning). Below is a partial list of stores that you need to be cautious about.

**Sharper Image has filed for bankruptcy protection and said 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still operate 94 stores to pay off debts but 90 of these stores have also performed poorly and may also close.
**Talbots Inc. has closed or is in the process of closing 66 Talbots Kids and 12 Talbots Men's stores, and an additional 22 stores that are either the Talbots women's stores or the J. Jill brand.
**Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter of 2008 and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
**Ann Taylor Stores Corp. said it will close 117 stores over the next three years, including 25 Ann Taylor and 39 Loft stores during the 2008 fiscal year.
**Linens 'n Things is closing 120 stores nationwide, and three in Ohio, at Bainbridge Commons in Aurora, Cuyahoga Falls Marketplace in Cuyahoga Falls and Golden Gate Plaza in Mayfield Heights.
**Gap Inc. is closing 85 stores.
**Foot Locker will close 140 stores.
**Macy's is closing nine underperforming stores this year, including three in Ohio in Akron, Canton and North Randall.
**KB Toy Works closed its three remaining stores in Rhode Island earlier this year as part of a plan to shutter 120 stores nationwide.
**Dell Inc. closed its 140 kiosks in the United States as the computer maker is changing its retail strategy to sales in partnering stores.
**New York & Co. already shut its chain of 23 Jasmine Sola upscale women's clothing stores in January.
**After buying the struggling CompUSA chain in December, Gordon Brothers Group LLC said it will sell or close most of the chain's 103 stores. (It has since agreed to sell as many as 16 CompUSA stores in Florida to Systemax Inc. for $30 million.)
**Liz Claiborne Inc. said it's closing the entire 54-store Sigrid Olsen chain.
**Zale Corp closed 60 of its stores already this year and plans to close a total of 105 stores, most by July 31, and 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores in its Zale's and Piercing Pagoda subsidiaries.
**Home furnishings stores Bombay Company and Pier 1 Imports, with announced closings of 508 and 100, respectively, are among the most deeply affected retailers.
**Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores in 2008.
**Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Catherines are closing a total of 150 stores nationwide for under-performance.
**Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores. The 37-year-old retailer targets middle-income customers and filed for bankruptcy protection.
**Walt Disney is closing about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S.
**The Home Depot closed 15 stores, affecting 1,300 employees, but the corporation said these numbers represent less than one percent of its existing stores.
And the closings keep coming.
Since December 31, Pep Boys has closed 33 stores and Sprint Nextel has closed 125 retail locations.
**Ethan Allen Interiors plans to close 12 of its 300 stores.

long time

2008-11-11T19:09:00.000-05:00

Man, it feels like forever since I have posted. Hard to tell what all has happened! I guess most importantly is Evan has turned 4! I cannot believe it. We had a spiderman birthday party on the 1st. We were blessed with beautiful weather.

My gourmet cupcakes......heehee

Evan, Ethan, Jonah, Gracie and Jenna

Spiderman and his new bike!

Jonah, Jenna, Evan

Evan getting a riding lesson

Thank you Gracie

Daddy and Evan playing Legos.... Thank you Patrick

Evan went to Tanglewood to the "pumpkin patch" on a field trip...it was a yucky rainy day so we did not get to see and do everything.
Evan, Ryleigh and Mason

the 2 four year old classes together. Ms. Melissa and Mrs. Amber

The "pumkin patch"

Halloween, this year we had Spiderman (Evan), Iron Man (Jonah) and pretty Princess (Jenna)

The Fie's came over ate tacos and then we walked the neighborhood.

I am trying to upload 465 pictures while I update my blog. I am behind on getting my pics developed and wanted to get it done before the holidays. I have been doing lots of Christmas shopping and trying to figure out what to get everyone. I love love love this time of year! I went to Target today and walked through the Christmas stuff and was just giddy inside! And yes I have already started listing to some Christmas music. I have been pretty busy, I have been making marbled ornaments and selling them. I cannot keep up,,,,it would help if I had a craft store closer! I also had an uppercase living book show, that is some very cool stuff. You should all check them out. I started an amazon wish list, that was alot of fun we all remember registering we got married and had a baby was that not the funnest thing to do. That is how that amazon wish list is, I recommend it, then you just mail the link to your family just for ideas. My Aunt is who told me about it. I think I am going to have to come back to my computer in the morning and see if all this pics have downloaded, this is taking forever! Evan and Ronnie went to the movies today on a field trip with his school to see the new Madagaskar they said it was really good. Evan enjoys the movies and he behaves very well. I think this is only the 4th movie he has seen....happy feet, charlottes web, horton hears a who, madagaskar. I struggle finding decent things for him to see. Things just get less and less "G" everyday.

Last note,this weekend I took all the chocolate halloween candy (snickers,milkyway,crunch,hershey and m&m's) diced them up, made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and instead of adding chips I added all that halloween candy, I had over 3 cups. They turned out great. And lots of carmel!

FUNNIES

2008-10-29T13:55:00.000-04:00

Summary of Life
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground..
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chairThat you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . Not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 17 success is . . Having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is . . Having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money.
At age 70 success is . ... . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . Not peeing in your pants.

Tabletop

2008-10-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege last week to help my Mom host a table at church for the Ladies Tabletop Fellowship, I thought some of you would enjoy the creativity these Ladies showed. There are alot of pics but some very cool ideas.

The one below is our table, Snowmen. It was very pretty, we had our snowman dishes and lots and lots of snowmen of course and great friends to join us for the evening!

We went to the Kingfest and had a good time like always. I got to run into a blogging friend Jen...it was good to see you and your family. (we really do need to do the blogging holiday gathering)

This past Saturday we had Gracie's 4th Birthday (for you SSHS grads, Erick Norton's daughter). She was born around Evan's due date and Evan was born on Gracie's due date....Evan was 11 days late so we know who drew the short straw:)

For all you creative girls, I linked a cool blog, martha stewart....I know me neither but her blog is cool. I like those creative crafty blogs with holiday ideas.

Latest news, Evan has joined a bowling League for peewee's it is very cute. Jonah also joined so they have a great time together. Papa gave him a new bowling ball this past Sunday so he thinks he is quite the bowler now, I just thought of this because he is taking my bowling bag apart here at my feet ! I want to take Evan to Pilot Mtn this weekend so he can see the knob. I have also planned on taking the Fie's family pics other than that a much needed quite weekend. Hope you all have a great week, I personally hate that I had to turn the air on I was enjoying having the windows up. And hoping to see a lower duke power bill!

Help

2008-10-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

To all my SSHS 96 classmates, this is Jason Cagle that we graduated with, his daughter. She is a beautiful little girl that was told she would not live to 2 and she is now 5! She is in kindergarten and there family van has blown up and she has no way to get her wheelchair to school and they are having to borrow vehicles. This is a benefit to hopefully raise enough money to purchase them a handicap van. This is a heavy burden for this family at this time. Please check out the site and you can read more about the family. I have a contact that is selling raffle tickets or accepting donations if you would be interested. I beg all my SSHS friends to pass this to all the SSHS contacts you have to support this family. There are prizes for the raffle tickets, some are 150.00 gas card, 100.00 walmart card, 50.00 applebees. You can come to the benefit at King American Legion on November 22, and all the dinner money will go to the family. Please let me know if you are interested or need any more info, I am sure this flier is hard to read so I can email you one to pass around. I know I have had no contact with this family but I just think if it was me and my child how much it would mean to me to be able to provide for my family with a vehicle that is much needed. Times are so hard for people right now and we are not even dealing with half of the issues this family is. Please keep Brianna and her family in your thought and prayers.
http://www.our-sma-angels.com/angelbriannamariah/index.html

Another Angel in Heaven

2008-10-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the family of Gracie Jean she went to be with the Lord this morning after a long 7mth battle. Her family goes to our church as her dad is studing to be a Pastor. We have been praying for her to survive for a long time. Her family will need your prayers now more than ever. Please check out her site.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer

Catch up....

2008-09-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

We had a really busy weekend last weekend. We went to the Fies Friday night and made cupcakes and let the kids run around like crazy. Saturday Jesse and I got up ridiculously early to go to the hanes sale and fight 10,000 people for a pair of .50 cent underwear! Then we rushed to Jonah's 4th birthday so we were all pooped out Saturday. Sunday we went to church then to Ryleigh's 4th birthday party.

Friday I came down with a bug and had a fever so I came home and layed around and went to bed early. Saturday kinda layed around till lunch then got a wild hair to start picking up around the house alittle. Saturday night we went to Mom's and for my stepdad's birthday. We grilled out steaks and ate till we about popped. Sunday we went to my Dads for an overdue visit. Evan got his first gun lesson. A good pic of my dad and stepmom at the beach.... I wish I was there!

I dropped the pasta container and Evan came to the rescue.....my little helper :)

This is how much sand he gets in his shoes at school. !

Generations...

2008-09-30T08:39:00.000-04:00

Funny how differant generations see things, example Paul Newman. My mom sends me a pic of him and I emailed that I did not know who he was, then I googled his name and I remember him just not the same as her....

My Paul Newman:

My moms Paul Newman....

Enough said, I think I have a new memory I am going with hers :)

Your next trip to Hanes Mall....

2008-09-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

Free Fall SamplesThe season of Fall brings with it the launch of our delicious new Caramel Apple Bark. Godiva milk and white chocolate surrounds pieces of cinnamon apples and milk caramel pieces. Or try freshly dipped strawberries and our new mini brownies and marshmallows drizzled in real Godiva chocolate. The chocolate decadence doesn't stop there...stop by to treat yourself.Visit the Godiva boutique for a complimentary sample of (while supplies last):9/5-9/7: Various chocolate bar flavors9/12-9/14: Limited Edition Fall Truffles 9/19-9/21: Caramel Apple Bark 9/26-9/28: New flavors from the Chocoiste line of products (chocolate covered cherries and chocolate covered cashews)
Godiva
Hanes Mall
http://www.shophanesmall.com/
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Offer valid only at participating locations.

The Carnie that cared...

2008-09-15T18:16:00.000-04:00

Thursday night we went to the fair with Erin, Ron, Makenna and Ryleigh. We had a good time, we had okay weather. It drizzled on us on and off but it was not too bad. Erin and I were day dreaming about the roads the workers took to become a fair carnie. What would have to happen in your life to decide this? Well we came across a carnie that cares....she was an older lady looking like she did not fit in with the other carnies. She gently picked the kids up after they patiently waited there turn and told her the color car they wanted. It was very strange, I admit after being at the other rides, the other workers barely make eye contact much less interact with you.

Friday was grocery day so I headed to sams to get my meat. I later went to walmart, which I really do not like to do my grocery shopping there but I do see a price difference so I bare and grin it. I headed home and unloaded then we went to Mcdonald,,,,why do we do that? spend 175 at the grocery store to head back out. But after all that work and as late as it was I did not want to mess with cooking. So after Mcdonalds we went to the Fies until very very late. The kids were acting crazy. James and Ronnie ran over a snake in the road and we had to go back and look at that. one less I say....

Not much on Saturday except finally closing the pool , so sad. Sunday we went out of town with my Mom to visit my great aunt and uncle for their 50th wedding anniversary. Can you imagine being married 50 years!!!!! It was a nice get together for them here is a pic of them on there wedding day, I love old photos. "Bud and Carolyn"

This is my grandma's siblings the ones that are left. We are missing 6 in this picture.

Carolyn, Bud and my Mom

Saturday I did take Evan down to the creek to get some almost 4 photo shoot in. I am not posting the ones I am going to use but I thought these were good too. It seems he is really getting taller. I cannot believe he will be 4 next month. Time sure does fly!

Evan went on a field trip Friday to "Parties 2 dye 4" in greensboro and this is what he made. I was not able to go but a friend of mine who's daughter went was able to and she said it was a very cool place. www.parties2dye4.com I would have loved to go, I remember tye dying when I was younger and always enjoyed it.

odd things

2008-09-12T15:56:00.000-04:00

I know we blog girls have done this kind of thing before but I loved reading everyone else's so hope you all join in! Have a wonderful weekend.

PS, hope you all got gas earlier today!!! I did go at lunch and get it, there was over 30 people in line at Sams and I paid 3.56. But King is already at 3.99 and it is only 4:30!

43 ODD Things about you! Fill it out and pass it on and also back to the person that sent it to you! Learn 43 things about your friends, and let them learn 43 things about you!

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Not really

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? yes

3. Do you own a gun? No

4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty? do not drink Coffee

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? always

6. What do you think of hot dogs? love it

7. Favorite Christmas song? dan fogelberg - same auld lang syne

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water

9. Can you do push ups? ?? have not tried

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? a ruby ring my mom gave me

11. Favorite hobby? crafty stuff

12. Do you have ADD ? yeah think so...

13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? bossy

14. What is your Middle name? Gail

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I want to go home, this gas thing is scarring me, i am sooo full from lunch

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? water

17. Current worry right now? spending 4.50 a gallon on gas with this suv if it gets to that point

18. Current hate right now? can not think of one

19. Favorite place to be? beach

20. How did you bring in the New Year? with my family at the bowling alley, same as every year

21. Like to travel? Love it

24. What color shirt are you wearing? black

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? yes, but i do not have any anymore

26. Can you whistle? no

27. Favorite singer/band? Reba

28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? doubt it

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? abc's (evan is in there)

30. Favorite girl's names? Ellana

31. Favorite boy's name? Evan

32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing.......empty like always :)

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Dawn at work

Worst injury you've ever had? broken arm....fell off my bike

36. Do you love where you live? yes, I do wish I had a basement

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2

38. Who is your loudest friend? me!

39. What is your favorite book? Diary of Ann Frank

40. What is your favorite candy? Reese cups

41. Favorite Sports Team? Duke & Cowboys

42. What were you doing 12 AM last night ? sleeping

43. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? oh how I would give anything to keep sleeping!!

Last of "Pool days"

2008-09-08T20:11:00.000-04:00

We usaully close the pool labor day weekend and this year it was nice so we did not. I was sooo hot when I got home today that Evan and I went right out there and jumped in. So I took a few pics for what will probably be our last swim.

*Evan was swimming to me from the steps then back again with no swimmies, just kicking and swimming under the water, he did so good. I videoed it but do not know how to get it on here so as soon as I figure it out I will upload.

ps, the fair is this week, we are going thursday night so I will update this weekend.....

Happy Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

Evan is running around pretending to be "Dash" off of the Incredibles. (with his Spiderman suit on he says Mom lets pretend this suit is an incredible...k..) Thought I would catch my blog up while I had a quick moment. As you see in the photos we had another batch of tomato's come in. Thursday afternoon I went out and picked 106 tomato's. So Mom and I decided to do another batch of salse since it came out so good the first time. A note about the salsa recipe, we added banana peppers since I had those in the garden along with Green peppers. I also added 1 can of white shoe peg corn and 1 can of black beans to each batch. 1 batch makes roughly 5-7 pints. So with our 106 tomato's and some more that Mom brought from a friend we made 6 pints of speguetti sauce, 5 pints of tomato sauce, 22 pints of salsa. So needless to say we will not be buying any salsa for a while!! Although we took a pint to the Fie's last night and ate the whole jar!

Evan and Papa playing play-doh while we can.

ps. I went out this morning, and picked more and froze 6 bags more soups this winter. Sunday we went to Tweetsie Railroad with Nana,Papa,Justin, Annette, and the 3 of us. The weather could not have been better. None of us had been there in quit some time. I have to say not a whole lot has changed, but none the less it was perfect for Evan. He loved the big train and the cowboy and indians who would fight when the train stopped. And of course we had to get him a new gun and holtster while we were there. It only took about hour and 40 minutes so I would recommend the trip to others. We made it about 10 minutes out of the park and Evan, Justin and Annette were all asleep!

This is where we should have left them heehee...

Love birds......I really do like this photo though :)

How he went to sleep, would not let go of his new gun or knife.
Monday we did not do much, cleaned the house, then went to the Fie's for dinner. Tuesday we played in the pool, tilled up the garden, then layed around the rest of the day. Saturday I had the cleaning bug, it actually started Friday night, I went through the closets and started a yard sale pile for next year. Then I went through all of Evan's winter clothes. Also friday night Ronnie stayed in the garage all night because the guy across the street is flipping a house and gave us all the kitchen cabinets so Ronnie lined the garage in cabinets. Now we just have to do something about a countertop.
I am wanting to do a "winter garden" this will be a first. I bought cabbage and broccoli and I am not sure what else is available that we would use. So if anyone has any suggestions I am open....

Family

2008-08-26T13:41:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it is almost September!!!!!! I cannot believe how the summer has flown by. Evan started the "big boy 4yr old class" yesterday even thought his bday is not till october, but this is this kids he will go to school with. He was excited. Friday after work, Evan, Mom and I went to my Aunt Anita and Cousin Amanda's house in Fayetteville. This is my mom's sister and her daughter. We had a really good time letting the kids play together, lay around and just spend the weekend together, it was nice. Of course as always I took lots of pics since they do not get to see each other often. Evan and Cooper
Cooper,Sydney and Evan
the "silly" photo! Look how Evan is eyeing Ali, (this is my cousin's girlfriends little girl) Evan and Cooper, such tough guys :)Cooper looks to be having a great time and Evan has his fists all balled up like you better watch out!This picture brings back memories of me and Amanda playing when we were little, my mom has pics of us like this. Good times, there was a bonfire going, a waterhose involved and it was very late and the boys were running around having a grand ol' time.
Evan, Me, Sydney, Amanda, Cooper

Before we left Evan came running in the house screaming Mommy, Mommy there is something pretty outside! It was our sunflowers, they had bloomed while I was in Indiana, so Anna, this pic is for you!!

I feel as if I am already living for friday, I think from where last week was so hectic. I had a hard time getting up this morning with the gloomy weather and all. This weekend we are going to Tweetsie Railroad. And thankfully we have Mon and Tue off work! yippee!!

Relaxing Weekend....finally :)

2008-08-17T17:33:00.000-04:00

We finally had a relaxing weekend! Friday night Mom came over and we canned salsa. I love learning new things to do in the kitchen. Mom bought me a new apron, Ronnie came in and thought he had stepped into 1953 with his wife and her mother canning with their aprons on ...heehee. I wanted an apron (never had one) and I am or can be a messy cook with things splattering up on me and such and with salsa it was perfect timing. Of course I did not get anything on it so it must have done the trick.

Saturday morning I woke up, made sausage, gravy, biscuits and eggs. Then I made 4 loafs of Zucchini bread, then potato salad and apple cobbler for Erins later that night. I feel like I was in the kitchen for 2 days. We went to Erin's that night and ate good like always and played Wii till very late,,,,,I am sore today :)

Sunday, got up went to church then came home ate left overs (cleaning out the fridge) took a good nap, and now we are at mom's grilling out hotdogs........so someone else is in the kitchen. I will be traveling this week so pray for all of us, plane trip, and for Evan to not get sick while I am gone. He has still been sniffling and coughing alot more at night. I think it could be allergies. Have a great week, will update when I return.

Whew it is Friday!

2008-08-15T15:57:00.000-04:00

TGIF!! I hit a good Christmas present find at lunch today! That is enought to make my day! It was a matchbox toy that was 20.00 and I got it for 5! yippee. Anyway, Mom and I are going to can salsa tonight, I am going to make tacos then we will get canning. I love learning new stuff in the kitchen. I will try to take photos to upload next week. Saturday I am going to try a new task....upholstering (sp) my grandma's rocking chair. Then we are going to Erin's to hang out, that is soo long overdue. Sunday church and rest! I want to start researching a winter garden this will also be a new first. I know cabbage, carrots, broccoli that is what is planned right now. Next week I have to travel to Indiana on business Tue-Thur. So I will update as soon as I can. Evan has been coughing alittle so pray he does not get sick while I am gone, Ronnie is good but not so sure about being left alone for 3 days with a sick baby :)

What a busy weekend!!

2008-08-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

Evan's first trip to the lake!

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to Pawpaw and Cece's to go on Evan's first boat ride. He was so excited. We had plans later that night so this trip was a little shorter than the normal trips we have made in the past. My only concern was him getting tired of wearing his life jacket, but he never asked to take it off. Cece thinks after he saw how large the lake was he understood why he had to have it on. We drove around the lake a while then stopped and went swimming, he did want to put his swimmies on then....I dont think he can control the life jacket in the water as good as he wants too. He can swim so good with his swimmies on. He was not a bit afraid to get in the lake. I really do not like touching the bottom and where we were was only 4 ft in some spots so him and Pawpaw walked to the "island" and swam back. Then we went to dock and eat at a very good place on the lake, that was a first for me. Great food!

I think of that Alan Jackson song, when Daddy let me drive! Great memories!

When we stopped to swim, he just kept saying I want to go swimming! We put his swimmies on and he jumped right off the boat......no fear.

when they swam over to the "island"

When we docked for lunch.

Cece and Pawpaw

I like this shot Evan andPawpaw
Once we got home from lake norman we quickly jumped in the shower, then got Evan ready to go to Jonah's house for his first (away from home) sleepover. Ronnie and I went to the Embassy downtown for my annual company party. We had a really good time, they always have good food and this year they had a live 70's funk band I know how that sounds but they were really really good. So me and the other girls from my dept danced all night while the guys chatted it up at the table :) Ronnie did slow dance with me... Sunday we over slept and missed church so I ran over to pick him up (he is our natural alarm clock) from Jonah's then got him home so he could take a nap, then we headed to the Warthog game, my company had bought out the deck for our company picnic ( I know alot of "company in one weekend!) It was the last official game at that stadium the next home game will be played in the new stadium.

Evan and Wally....all the kids love Wally

Wally signed his glove and he sat there waiting for a ball to catch.
My boys....

Some older news....pics of my pickles, I have more and I think they are on my other computer. I think they have too much salt but Ronnie loves them! I loved doing it.
This is at the car show in Pilot last Saturday...

Hope everyone has a great week, someone actually said today only 4 mths to Christmas! I love it!! It was feeling a little Fally tonight!! FAll is my FAV.

Funny

2008-08-04T08:40:00.000-04:00

Evan and I got in the shower last night after what seemed like a really long hour of pulling weeds and trying to work in the garden.
He was looking at me and said is that a mole? I said yes, he said " Do you wear that to work??"

We had a good weekend, Friday was our anniversary so we went to Texas Roadhouse, picked out steaks and umm umm they were awesome! We then went to Dicks and Toys R Us to look at the price of bikes for Evan's 4th bday. I admit they were more than I thought they would be. We then went to walmart and I bought some canning stuff to try Anna's pickles. ( I will post pics later). I have my Grandma Bishops mason jars so I needed the rings and lids. Ronnie has already eaten one jar ful! I made 14 jars, ate one, gave 2 away still 11 more to go. I enjoyed seeing the fruit of our labor when putting them away. I want to do some dried beans and soups for this winter. While I was doing pickles mama was canning tomato sauce and tomato soup. I still need some canning lessons and I do not have a pressure cooker so I need to get one of those for the dried beans and veggie soups I wanted to can. Saturday we went to the Pilot Mtn Car show, there were a ton of people there! The weather was great though. Sunday went to church came home cleaned and then Sebrina and the kids came to visit so we got to relax in the pool then I made a good big Sunday Dinner, Whole chicken, Squash Casserole, lima beans, mac-n-cheese, sliced tomatoes, fresh pickles. It was really good. After they left we went out to shock the pool and water the garden and I got on this weed picking kick and worked like a dog for the next hour weeding out the garden and trellising (sp) up some bush tomato plants that have decided to take over the garden. Anna....if you have any canning ideas for squash and zuch please let me know. I would also like to know your vegatable soup recipe.
Have a great Monday.........for some reason I just started singing manac monday whoa oa I wish you were a Sunday :)

25 RANDOM FACTS

2008-07-31T11:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am following the lead here, 25 Random facts about me:
1) I would love to be a stay at home mom or a work from home mom!
2)I lost a child before I had Evan
3)I have fantasized the idea of homeschooling----I think anyone has who watched the news now and days!!
4)I iron about everything we wear! I love a ironed t-shirt ( and no Tori I will not come over:)
5) I got married at 20 years old ---10 yr anniv. is tom Aug 1st!!! go us!!
6) Dream, be a professional photographer
7) If I went back to college I would be a school teacher
8) I would love to live on a farm, were we grow what we eat and are more self sufficient
9) I really think I want my next car to be a mini van, driving an SUV right now.
10) I am a Christmas fanatic...(Hi my name is Jennifer). I start Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, and I shop all year long.
11) I can listen to Christmas music at any time of the year. I have like 35 Christmas Cd's
12) I am an Excel freak, I have my grocery list, my bills, Christmas list, addresses, Evans bday plans and etc all in a spreadsheet. I work in excel all day at work doing formulas so it is second nature for me.
13) I want to build my next house, and I want to replicate an old farm house
14) never had a pedicure
15) my husband drives a 1984 Z28 t-top camero
16) I am a crafty do-it yourself er
17) I clip coupons, and I love when my step mom goes to my grandmas b/c she saves them for weeks for us so I get lots of coupons!
18) I have always thought my Grandpa Bishop walks on water. He has always had my heart.
19) My first job (besides the bowling alley) was Dairi-o
20) I met Ronnie my senior year in Fashion Bug
21) I want another baby ,,,,sometime
22) I am pottery barns #2 fan, under Torie....hey Torie, we can quit our job and open TJ Orgo. Where you go we Orgo :) heehee
23) I have tons of Seagrove Pottery. My family is from Robbins and we all only use pottery. I love it! I use that in place of pyrex or store bought bowls
24) I do not like coffee
25) I do not clean out the litter box, Ronnie does it for us.
26) and most importantly, Evan having a child has been more of a blessing and wonderful experience that I ever could have dreamed! He is so awesome. I love love love him. And Ronnie too of course :)

That was hard to get started but I agree with Ashley you can keep going. Very cool, I loved reading everyone's 25!

Time for an update!

2008-07-27T13:07:00.000-04:00

Whew, feels like forever since I have posted! I have been so busy at work and having to stay late everynight and my internet at home was waiting on a new part from the phone company. So this may be a long one. Well since I last posted I have joined the the club....the 30yr old club that is. I am not like my other blogger friends in I was not as happy to join this club. It depresses me for some reason? I think when you say it out loud that you are not twenty something any longer it makes me feel old and like my time is shorter.........I know silly. I am sure I will move on to another concern soon :)

Evan will go out into the garden and grab a cucumber and just start eating it. I turned around the other night going to the table and he had stole one of the counter and sat down and ate it :)

Here are some pics of when we went to dinner at Hillbilly Hideaway for my little brother Justin's 20th Birthday.

Justin and AnnetteMama stuffing her face....heehee
Nana and Papa
MawMaw and Ronnie....he probably has a mouth full too :)

4th of July, we do the same thing every year, (most do I would think) we have a cookout at our house with a pool party earlier in the day. Then we all go to Recreation Acres around 8:00 for the firework show. It is a great show, this year we had Nana , Papa and the Hill family join us. Papa drove his 1970 C10 chevy truck and the guys sat in the back of that, Evan thought that was cool.

Jonah spent the night with Evan on Friday night, they do very well together. Evan is always asking when is Jonah coming to spend the night? They are actually getting ready to come over here in a minute for some swim time and she is making me dinner for my birthday, so sweat.

The 19th we went to Cody Creek (The Depot) for my birthday. Ohhhh it is sooooo good! If you have not been there, you really need to check it out. It is in Dobson so it is a drive but so worth it. I got a Ribeye, Ronnie got a rack of ribs and so did almost everybody else. The atmosphere up there is very cool, they have a chapel, a icecream shop and even some cabins you can rent for the night.

Evan and his girlfriend Annette, he loves Annette!! The chapel, it is very pretty
Mawmaw, Me, Memaw Gwyn the 3 of usJustin and Annette
Justin and Mom

Evan and Annette

My Dad, my older brother Patrick, my Stepmom and my birthday are all within less than 30 days of each other. So a few years ago we decided to start having a birthday bash for all of us, we get together early so we can all play in the pool, then we grill out, eat a good dessert, then exchange presents. It is good time. I am a very family oriented person and want to instill that into Evan these are the people that will always be there for you my mom is very much a family person and blessed me with this mentality.

Evan getting a diving lession Evan is proud of this move:
Pawpaw trying to master the float

Evan and Uncle Patrick

My cutie!

Update on the Garden: I am about squashed out! I can get burned out on that quickly. I do not like to freeze it so I give it away. We have tons of cucumbers so I also give those away, we are eating cucumbers with every meal. I have only had a few tomatoes.....those are mine!! :) I have a few pumpkins and several canteloups have not seen a watermelon yet though.

Pumpkinsa cherry tomatoe that came up on its own....in the wrong place I might add

The canteloups lots of green tomatoes

Yesterday some ladies from Church and my mom and I held a babyshower for a dear friend Tracey. She was Evan's babysitter before he went to school. I loved this pic I took of her by the window yesterday. She is due in september with a boy "Weston Allen"

While I am blogging this is what is going on......Evan is excited about Jonah coming over after he takes his nap, that he cannot go to sleep. So daddy tries going and laying down with him and they are just giggling up a storm in there, no one is resting. Oh,,and here they come, I guess no nap today!

Hope everyone has a good week!

Family Loss...

2008-07-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

Remmy gave up the battle yesterday, he was my dad and stepmom's family dog of 10 years. Everybody loved Remmy he was an awesome dog. Evan called him the big dog (as they also have a smaller dog). At the dinner table last night as we were saying our blessing, Evan said God be on the watch for Remmy! It was sweet, I told him he has went to heaven and God has made him all better and he said he was up there with Carol a friend that passed last week ( Karen and Lori Tuttle's mother passed last Saturday). Here are a few pics of our lost family member.

Remmy and Evan
Pawpaw, Busby (the beagle) Evan and Remmy
Rem and Evan ~ this one made it into a newsletter
Rem and Evan
Rem and Evan
Oh Rem you are sooo funny!

Remmy you will be missed!

Beach Vacation 2008

2008-06-30T21:23:00.001-04:00

Bummer, we are home :) We had a great time, we went to North Myrtle Beach with our friends the Hills. The weather was perfect, the kids were good, and we were in a beautiful place, what else could you ask. And of course I have lots of photos. Tuesday night Sebrina and I went to walmart to grocery shop, our daily routine was beach in the morning we would get out there by 10am , then come in for lunch and naps and we would take the baby monitors out to the pool and the mommy's and daddy's would go relax by the pool while they slept. When they got up we would have them come out to the pool till about 5 then go in shower up and eat dinner. Wednesday night we went to Barefoot landing and walked around for a little while, went to a wings. We did not do this long as we had two 3 yr old and a 7 yr old that wanted everything and wanted to touch everything. Thursday night we stayed home, just took a walk down main street and got some icecream. Friday night we went to Alligator Adventure then Hamburger Joe's. Saturday night we rode out to the Myrtle beach strip it has been years since I have been out there, and I know why! Not a kid friendly city....we stayed in the car :) Then we came home put the kids to bed, and played UNO till 1am. good times! I took lots of pictures so I will spare you and only post a few of my fav's. We are ready to go back and have already told them we want the same week next year :)

Where we stayed
Evan and Taylor

Evan thinking he is "surfing"

Alex getting a drink :)
Evan and Taylor

Evan, Taylor and Alex.... before icecream!
Alex
Taylor

Ronnie and Mickey

Alligator Adventure:

First Sleep Over

2008-06-30T21:10:00.001-04:00

Evan had his first sleepover 2 friday nights ago and here are a few pics, they did so good, they played hard until 8:30 then we came in got in my bed and watched Charlottes Web and ate popcorn. We put them to bed which I thought would be a chore and they did great, went right to sleep I could hear one of the singing twinkle twinkle and then they were out. Evan still talks about how Jonah spent the night he had a great time!

Evan and Jonah Fie

brrrrrrr................

Evan Allen

Jonah....cheese!

The ending to a good day :)

Beach Bound

2008-06-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

Were outta here!! We are leaving for the beach at noon! I am soooo ready. Will post pics when we get back. Hope everyone has a great week!

SILLY BOY...

2008-06-18T13:16:00.000-04:00

Saturday was my little brother Justin's 20th birthday! So we went to the Hillbilly Hideaway, (sure that brings back some memories for some :) And yes, the menu is the same....fried chicken, ribs, green beans, mashed potatoes, pintos, fried apples, country ham, corn bread, biscuits, cole slaw. I think that is all... Below is when we left, Evan was being very silly, Mawmaw bought him a whole box of choc. chip cookies which is all over his face. My little silly boy :)

Garden Update....

2008-06-15T12:05:00.000-04:00

I have been saying I was going to update with some garden pics... when I went out this morning to check things out, I found a baby bunny in the squash. First I thought it was a rotton pc of fruit till I bent down and really looked at it. I picked it up and brought it in to show Evan. The bunny was so cute, Evan was so gentle with it. He took it back outside and sat him in the garden.

The squash and zucchini's

cucumbers
Tomatoes
"new section" watermelons, canteloups, pumpkins we have to put the newspaper and straw down still.
The first zucchini.......ummumm

pretty bloom

The first squash coming in...they all have them this size

green peppers, jalapeno's and banana peppers there is more to the right

Roma tomatoes in the hanging baskets

Plums!

The plum tree, 2 years old, we are excited about possibly getting some plums off to eat!!

An old post just thought the pics were worth sharing...

2008-06-10T13:44:00.001-04:00

Justin (my little brother) and Annette's Prom

The one above is my favorite

He looks and acts just like my Mom's Dad, LT

I realized when uploaded I did not have many in natural color, I love black and white and get carried away some times :)

Great Relaxing Weekend!

2008-06-10T13:08:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend. Friday night my cousin Jonathon Graduated! GO JOHNNY'O!

Johnny'O Graduating....dont they look alike!
Aunt Donna and Jonathon
Me, Evan , Mawmaw, Dave, Jonathon,Aunt Donna, Tom, Nana

Justin and Annette left for the beach friday night ( I am sooo jealous). Saturday we spent a beautiful hot day with the Fie's, Jesse, Jenna and Jonah. We stayed in the pool all day Evan and Jonah were swimming so good and jumping all day.

Evan jumping all by his self!!
Baby Jenna Fie

Jonah and Evan such big boys!

Saturday night Ronnie went to a carshow with Papa, and Nana came over and we grilled out and watched a movie and stayed in the cool house. Sunday went to church then went to visit Ronnie's mom, and then came home and took a much needed nap!

We have 3 birthday's this week!!

Sebrina's 11th BIG 31!

Justin 14th BIG 20 years old!!

Makenna 16th 9 already!

Cute note, I got to Evan's school yesterday to pick him up and Kaitlyn a cute girl in his class was in full wedding attire, and came running to give me a hug and said "Evan has been playing my boyfriend". And it starts :) His teacher said him and Kaitlyn are very close. Lord help.

Ronnie finished tilling up our"new" garden section, I expanded our garden for some new things to try, watermelons, cantelope, pumpkins, sunflowers. In our normal garden we have 20 tomato plants, 3 cucumbers, 5 squash, 5 zucchini, 2 green pepper and 8 banana and jalapeno's (we can salsa) and carrots. I will post pics soon. I am excited I have 2 zucchini and 1 tom. coming out. I was hoping to have some fresh veggies to carry to the beach on the 24th....maybe so! Nothing like a tomato sandwich, fresh bread, mayo lots of pepper and some salt! umm umm. I have never planted more than 5 tom. plants and this year I have 20 (mom got alot for free, so she brought me some). Next year I want to try lettuce, cabbage, onions and radishes. I have have a plum tree that has tons of plums on it, guess I might need to get a plum jam recipe :)

Hope you all have a wonderful week! And only 13 days till the beach! Whew it is soooo time for a vacation.

I CAN SWIM!!

2008-06-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

We had a good weekend! Friday night we went to visit with Mickey, Sebrina and the kids. Bad news was the Blazer started smoking on the way there....it is in the shop today:(. Saturday we had our 2nd and last yard sale for the year. We did better this weekend than last, thank you God, I need it right now!. Sunday we really did nothing! Went to church, came home and took a nap, when Evan got up we went and got in the pool, he put on his new "monkey swim ring" walked right in, right off the bottom step out to the middle! It was amazing! He has talked about this for several months, but he also did last year too, but got in and would not go to the middle by himself,,,,so this is a big deal! He was so proud of himself, first thing he said was " Pawpaw is going to be proud of me!". Then Ronnie asked him did he want to jump in and he did, so he had to put on his spiderman swimming muscles and he went jumping off the side with Ronnie catching him. Last night he even let Ronnie not catch him and he would jump in, go under and bob back up. This is so cool! We are going to the beach this month so it is nice b/c Mommy does not have to hold him the whole time. He still says he cannot swim in the ocean b/c the sharks will bite his feet off :) and I am not telling him any different as I dont want him in there above his ankle anyway. He is in the coolest stage, we were swimming around last night and he is very very talkative right now, he said Mamma, talk to me....tell me about the beach/ then it was lets talk about the circus/ then tell me about God. He is absorbing everything it is such a neat age.

See the pics of our little swimmer.....
kick, kick
racing daddy to the steps

look at that face

Evan and Daddy

Camera

2008-05-28T15:19:00.000-04:00

I had someone ask do I enjoy photography.....I DO! very much so, and Evan makes that love so easy. To have something there that always needs to be photographed. I get this passion from my Dad and Mom, my dad went to school for photography and taught my Mom alot, and both have passed the love to me. I am known as the friend that will always have the camera, I think all my friends do not worry about theirs as they know I will have mine. A dream would be to start a side business of on location family photography....any takers ?? heehee so I will always have lots of pics to post, let me know if I get carried away :)

Another note, watched a good movie last night I am sure many of you have seen, was a first for Ronnie and I called "Radio" I cried like a baby. It was a good movie, should check it out if you have not seen it and it is also family friendly.
Have a great wednesday!

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-26T20:23:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day itself was actually pretty calm for us, no cookouts or family. Just hung around the house, I played with Evan in his sandbox that morning. Then we went to Nana's to get Evan a new dresser for his room. Came home and had a lazy afternoon by the pool. It was very nice, I love these days. I tried a new shrimp recipe for dinner out of my Paula Deen cookbook, pepper shrimp that you cook in the oven; never cooked shrimp in the oven before worked great!
Below are a few pics I took through out the day, I really like the way they came out.

I love this one, Ronnie had just walked on the deck and Evan was wanting to show him how he can go around the steps....so cute!

I really like the one above!
He is such a chatter box.....(wonder who he got that from??)

Such a big boy, this is what he did all last summer too, go under come up , go under come up and Mommy better see each time :)

The start of summer!

2008-05-26T20:15:00.000-04:00

Saturday Nana and I had a yardsale and then we went to dinner with Nana and Papa, the first time going out in a while, we all know the gas situation :) Sunday Evening, Cece and Pawpaw came over for a memorial cookout, we had opened the pool on friday afternoon so Evan was able to get in for the first time while they were there. The water is really cold! Evan and Cece played outside all evening. The weather was perfect and we had a nice dinner outside. A good way to start the summer off!!

2008-05-26T20:10:00.000-04:00

We met some of our new neighbors who are buying the house across the street, the dad and daughter came over and introduced their selves, Evan and the little girl immediately took up with one another it was very cool. Nothing like neighborhood friends!

Spring Fling #2

2008-05-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pics....

How it all started!
Grandchildren

Evan loved riding on this all day!

Evan Playing

Evan hanging like a monkey!

Stopping to check on the girls

Nana, Joan and Sherri

Quilt made for Aunt Hilda

Random pics

2008-05-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

Here are a few Pics I took of some of the country...I like taking these type of pictures.

Spring Fling 2008

2008-05-18T15:17:00.000-04:00

Saturday we went to the Hussey family Spring Fling. I always love these because it is a time for Evan to get memories like I have from when I was a child. He had so much fun playing with all his cousins. We took some pics of the whole family this time, not sure when the last time we have one of the group...granted we are still missing lots of people but it is still a great pic. We went 4-wheeling down to the creek, Evan played in the pasture in the barn with all the kids, and had good a good pot luck lunch. It always brings back good memories of my childhood, going down to the "country" to play with my cousins. This is some of my favorite memories. I think Grandpa Hussey would be very proud of her children for holding on to this treasured tradition. It means alot to me for Evan to have those same memories of playing in the barns (they may not be the same ones I played in but that is okay), playing in the creek, riding horses, four wheelers and just good family fun. Evan was tired when we left ( it was 12:30 am) I went to buckle him in and he sleepily asked " are we coming back?" He played and ran so hard, I bet all the kids slept so good last night! Mama, Joan and I went riding on the Rhino down to the creek, it is funny how each generation has there own memories of playing at Grandmas....Mama and Joan said they would go down there to take a bath with Grandma, I remember going down with my cousin Tamra and playing and swimming in the creek. Having picnics on the hill with Aunt Dana, jumping out of Grandma's barn with Jason. Good times!! I have posted a few pics from this great day, we could not have had better weather! I may post a few more later as they come in. Since I have just started this "blog" thing my self, I am really wanting to start a Hussey Family blog for the family to be able to keep in touch and email in family updates. Stay posted :)

Family Group Pic
Nana and her sister Anita
Evan playing
thought this was cute
Great Aunt and Uncle's

2008-05-16T16:09:00.001-04:00

Okay first official blog, just to get something on here I am going to post some pics of my flowers out of my yard I am proud of .....I will start the real blogging after the weekend events (so I have something to post about:)