I Really Want to Win This!!!

Ok, so I entered this contest and one of the ways to get another entry was to blog about it.  So here I am blogging about it.  I really really want to win this very cool touch screen computer!  Who wouldn't?  So, I'm sharing the fun!  Go, hurry, run and enter for yourself.  But if you win, will you please share????  Please?

Click here to enter!

So proud!

Look what my girl brought home today! I'm am so proud of her! She loves 4th grade. Along with that certificate, she brought home a Perfect Attendance certificate, a Math Fact Mastery Goal Award and a report card with A's and only 2 B's! She rocks!!!

New Contest from Scentsy! MMMMMMMM!

Hi!  Here's a new giveaway for you to enter!  Click on Amy's name and enter this smelly giveaway!  Have you tried Scentsy?? If not, you have too!  Go now!  Run!  Hurry!  Are you there yet?????

New Moon Contest!

My friend Kristen is having a contest!  She makes amazing, beautiful, unique, custom sterling silver jewelry!  I had an E-Party for her and it was a huge success!  I had a custom piece made for my 20th Anniversary and I get loads of compliments on it! 

Anyhoo, Kristen is having a contest!  If you are a Twilight fan, like me, you will want to enter this contest to win a custom necklace with the words "Betcha can't read my mind".  That was the one thing Edward couldn't do, read Bella's mind and it drove him crazy.  So, head over to Kristen's blog and read the rules and enter to win!  Click on Kristen's name anywhere in this post to see her website.  Oh and don't forget to check out her Etsy shop!

Squirrely Business

This is my brother-n-law, Mark. He is retired. Nuff said.

To Cool To Do Drugs

Its To Cool To Do Drugs Day at school! I'm thinkin' she looks pretty darn cool!

My Creation

This was my creation for our table (My husband, Jay, has a painting business) at the church bazaar. What do you think?

In my opinion, it was hip, cool, creative, artistic, you know, FABULOUS. Jay's thoughts.....GIRLY. Men....they have no clue.

A Cow and a Pastor

Yesterday was the Crossroads Church Tradeshow and Bazaar. There were over 40 vendors and lots of people in and out all day!
Even the Chick-fil-A cow showed up and brought sandwiches! I asked our Paster to MOOOOOOVE over so I could get a picture of both of them. 

I crack myself up! (I know you're laughing.....)

Colour My World

Look what I received in the mail yesterday for my anniversary!

I absolutely ♥ it!!!  Let me tell you a little about why it says what it says....

When Jay and I were dating, long, long ago, we attended MANY Chicago concerts.  They are still our favorite even today.  Wonderful music and lyrics!  One of our very favorite songs is Colour My World.

Simple Unique Meaningful

(maybe I will have her make a necklace with those words! : )

Don't any of you take my idea first! I mean it!

So thank you Kristen for making this necklace for us - WE (I get to wear it) love it! 

If you are interested in Kristen's beautiful work, you can find her here....@ www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com & you can follow her blog here La Dolce Vita.

Today is the day.....

Today is the day that I married my sweetheart, Jay, 20 years ago!  I look back over the years and I am truly blessed.  Jay is a wonderful husband, father, friend, hard worker and he has loved and provided for us for 20 years! 

Happy Anniversary!  I love you!!

Please read, you will be glad you did!

Just entered an awesome giveaway for my friend Amy!   

Please click on her name, take the time to read about her personal battle with cancer and her son Philip's medical battle.  Amy is an amazing woman, wife, mom and friend & Philip is one COURAGEOUS young man!   Amy is an inspiration to me and I know once you read her story, she will be an inspiration to you too.

Amy also has a fundraiser running right now for her son Philip...very cool t-shirts!  (short and long sleeved)

For more info or to order a t-shirt click on Amy's name or you can order from my sister's blog here http://whileiamwaiting423.blogspot.com/2009/09/fantastic-giveaway-and-fundraiser-to.html.  Half of the proceeds go straight to Amy for Phillip's medical needs!!!  What an amazing friend Lisa, owner of  Live Life Solid is!

Please pray for Amy, Philip and their family and consider helping Amy raise the funds to help with their medical needs.

God is good and He will get them through this battle! 

Sale!!! Sale!!! Sale!!!

This is what the parking lot looked like when my girlfriend Nicole and I decided to leave Kohl's. Shopping problem? 

I think so.

Friends Without Faces

This is to all the friends I have made through 

Blogging, Tweeting, Facebooking, 
Texting, IM'ing, Blackberry Messenging!

I have met a few of you, would love 
to meet the others but so enjoy our 
time spent online!  I've come to love our 

friendships and so glad I have each 
and every one of you! 

Friends Without Faces

We sit and we type and we stare at our screens,
We can't help but wonder what all of this means. 
With mouse in hand ...we roam through this maze,
On an infinite search...lost in a daze.

We chat with each other, we type all our woes
At times we'll band together to gang up on our foes.
We wait for somebody, to type out our name
We want recognition, but it is always the same.

Soon friendships are formed - but - why we don't know,
But some of these friendships, will flourish and grow.
We give kisses and hugs, and sometimes we'll flirt,
In IMs we chat deeply, and reveal why we hurt.

Why is it on screen, we are so easily bold,
Telling our secrets, that have never been told.
The answer is simple, it is as clear as a bell,
We all have our problems, and need someone to tell.

We can't tell real people, but tell someone we must
So we turn to our 'puters ...and to those we can trust.
Even though it sounds crazy...the truth still remains, 
Most of my "friends" have no faces...and odd little names.

XOXOXO

Maeci Misses Her Nonnie

I love this! Maeci went to the park with her sitter and found this leaf. She brought it home to me with so much excitement! "Mom, look what I found! Nonnie would love this!" See the print on this leaf?

My mom loved the leopard/cheetah print (not in the tacky sorta way, you know like she didn't put it everywhere or on everything, maybe...)

I love that Maeci misses her so much that even a simple thing like a leaf brought her memory back to Nonnie. She has carried it around for days now.  Isn't that beautiful???

Friday Funny!!!

Just read this on my friend Becky's blog and it was just way to funny not to share!

I went grocery shopping recently while not being altogether sure that course of action was a wise one. You see, the previous evening I had prepared and consumed a massive quantity of my dad's patented 'You're definitely going to crap yer pants' chili.' Tasty stuff, albeit hot to the point of being painful, which comes with a written guarantee from me that if you eat it the next day both of your butt cheeks WILL fall off.

Here's the thing. I had awakened that morning, and even after two cups of coffee (and all of you know what I mean) nothing happened. No 'Watson's Movement #2.' Despite habanero peppers swimming their way through my colon, I appeared to be unable to create the usual morning symphony referred to by my next door neighbors as thunder and lightning.

Knowing that a moment of reckoning was to come, yet just not sure when, I bravely set off for the market, a local Wal-Mart grocery store that I often haunt in search of tasty tidbits.

Upon entering the store at first all seemed normal. I selected a cart and began pushing it about dropping items in for purchase. It wasn't until I was at the opposite end of the store from the rest-rooms that the pain hit me. Oh, don't look at me like you don't know what I'm talking about.
I'm referring to that 'Uh oh, gotta go' pain that always seems to hit us at the wrong time. The thing is, this pain was different. The habaneros in the chili from the night before were staging a revolt. In a mad rush for freedom they bullied their way through the small intestines, forcing their way into the large intestines, and before I could take one step in the direction of the rest-rooms - it happened, the peppers fired a warning shot.

There I stood, alone in the spice and baking aisle, suddenly enveloped in a noxious cloud the likes of which has never before been recorded. I was afraid to move for fear that more of this vile odor might escape me. Slowly, oh so slowly, the pressure seemed to leave the lower part of my body, I began to move up the aisle and out of it, just as an elderly woman turned into it. I don't know what made me do it, but I stopped to see what her reaction would be to the malodorous effluvium that refused to dissipate, as she walked into it unsuspecting. Have you ever been torn in two different directions emotionally?

Here's what I mean, and I'm sure some of you at least will be able to relate. I could've warned that poor woman but didn't. I simply watched as she walked into an invisible, and apparently indestructible, wall of odor so terrible that all she could do before gathering her senses and running, was to stand there blinking and waving her arms about her head as though
trying to ward off angry bees. This, of course, made me feel terrible, but then made me laugh.. Mistake.

Here's the thing. When you laugh, it's hard to keep things 'clamped down', if you know what I mean. With each new guffaw an explosive issue burst forth from my nether region. Some were so loud and echoing that I was later told a few folks in other aisles had ducked, fearing that someone was robbing the store and firing off a shotgun.

Suddenly things were no longer funny. IT was coming, and I raced off through the store towards the restrooms, laying down a cloud the whole way, praying that I'd make it before the grand mal buttplosion took place.

Luck was on my side. Just in the nick of time I got to the john, began the inevitable 'Oh my God', floating above the toilet seat because my butt is burning SO BAD, purging. One poor fellow walked in while I was in the middle of what is the true meaning of 'Shock and Awe'. He made a gagging sound, and disgustedly said, 'What the ???!', then quickly left.

Once finished I left the restroom, reacquired my partially filled cart intending to carry on with my shopping when a store employee approached me and said, 'Sir, you might want to step outside for a few minutes. It appears some prankster set off a stink bomb in the store. The manager is going to run the vent fans on high for a minute or two which ought to take care of the problem.'

That of course set me off again, causing residual gases to escape me. The employee took one sniff, jumped back pulling his shirt up to cover his nose and, pointing at me in an accusing manner shouted, 'IT'S YOU!', then ran off returning moments later with the manager. I was unceremoniously escorted from the premises and asked none too kindly not to return.

Home again without having shopped, I realized that there was nothing to eat but leftover chili, so I consumed two more bowls.

The next day I went to shop at Albertson's. I can't say anymore about that because we are in court over the whole matter. Their managers claim they're going to have to repaint the store...

Now you can go get some Puffs w/ Lotion (because they are truly the best, you don't want a raw nose) and wipe the tears from laughing. Enjoy the rest of your day!! ♥

Enjoying the Kenny Chesney concert....

My little Jaybird (aka hubby, Jay) surprised me with Kenny Chesney and Friends concert tickets! An early anniversary gift (Sept. 30 is the day). I've always wanted to see Kenny live! The best part of the whole night, besides spending time with Jay, not Kenny : ), was when Sugarland graced the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium! I have one word only...WOW! They are my favorite, better than guacamole and Hint of Lime Tostito chips, favorite!!! The others were Zac Brown, Montgomery Gentry & Miranda Lambert. The entire show was FABULOUS!

There were several moments I could have gone without seeing for the rest of my life:

1. Short, short, did I say short? Short skirts with scrunchy cowboy boots. Really? Not my thing. Maybe I'm to old.
2. Short, short, did I say short? Short skirts with scrunchy cowboy boots. Really? Not my thing. Maybe I'm to old.
(Is several more than 2? Ok, I have one more.)
3. The guy next to me rips his shirt off during "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"! WHAT??? His girlfriend was all about it! He was singin' and twirling it around his head and the best part...SOBER! LOL!

I just like a true cowgirl...you know...Wrangler jeans, "real" boots, hat...not trying to impress anybody cowgirl. Amen.

This was Kenny's last performance for a while. He even sported a Colts hat for the Indy fans! The last song was "Better as a Memory". He didn't make it through the song before he started crying. Made him "real" and more amazing! He's taking a year long sabbatical to spend time with his family. I'm sure it's a much needed break and I hope he enjoys every minute of it!

So, thank you Jay, Kenny, SUGARLAND & Friends! I had a great time!

There's a fundraiser goin' on for Philip!

Please take a moment to read about Philip here (You can also see Philip's button on the right hand side of my blog). He's a very special guy who's having a very tough time but who also has the most loving mom (Amy) that I know. She is truly an inspiration to all of us who have come to know her. Amy's faith in God is tremendous!

Click here or on Amy's name above to read about the fundraiser. Thank you for taking the time to get to know this awesome family! I love her and you will too!

It's all about softball...

Maeci has become quite the softball player in less than 2 months. We decided to sign her up for a Fall league. It was a short season but perfect for her. She's never played before and she's doing terrific! She loves 2nd base and finally hit the ball last night! Granted they were foul balls but does that really matter all that much??? She HIT the ball and I was cheering from the sidelines!!! GO MAECI!!! Cuz that's what Mom's do! Tomorrow is the tournament. We play 2 games and I will have to update you with winner this weekend. Here's a few pictures of my little player... Enjoy you weekend!!

Wow....

I can't believe I have a blog and I don't blog. I stopped in to check on a friends blog and can't believe how much I've missed! I quit because it's definitely overwhelming, I never have anything to say and it takes so so much time! How do you all keep up???

Now I could blog about Maeci and softball, Jay and his painting business, our Chicago trip we took last weekend or me sitting her worrying myself SICK because my son just left to drive to IU to hang with some buddies.

I'm not a good writer so I find it hard to keep this blogging thing going. But, you know what, I'm gonna blog about Maeci and softball first.

So stay tuned....I'll be back in a few. Thanks for listening to my rambling!

Shauna is having a contest to win a portable DVD player!!!

Hop over to my girl Shauna's blog Trying to Stay Calm and enter to (watch me) win!!!

Can You Hear Me???

This girl cracks me up! She was listening to me very seriously. I know she wanted to talk back because she was getting in trouble! She is a lively little thing!

Give-A-Way!!!

Another fun give-a-way! Check out my friend Shauna's blog and win a fabulous blow dryer!!! Click here, SHAUNA, and read the rules, play along and hopefully you (I) will win!!! : )

Still Feelin' the 4th

I hope everyone's holiday was safe but fun! I need to get caught up on blogs so I can see what you all did!

I failed to share with you yet another photo of Pop in all his 4th of July glory. He saw the hats in a gift shop during our trip home from Oklahoma. He couldn't stop himself...I turned around and there he was looking all Uncle Sam Minnie Pearlishesque (BTW I made that word up...in case you were wondering).

He loves to torture us with his goofiness. We wouldn't want him any other way. Imagine how boring life would be! Love ya Pop!

Kristen's Contest

Hi all! Long time no talk! There's a contest going on that you don't want to miss!!! Kristen makes FABULOUS 925 hand stamped jewelry! She has loads of styles to choose from or you can create your own design! Click here www.kristenandrewsonline.blogspot.com to enter! Have a great Tuesday!!!

What??? I have to pay to enter??

So, I stopped on the way home and got my hair cut (love it by the way) and came home to this. Scuze me? Even a money envelope???

I gotta pay to enter my daughters room?? Moo, I birthed you, feed you, hold you when you are sad, buy you things....HELLO! If I can't enter without paying, who's going to "help" you clean you're room....just sayin.

I guess if I want to see her, I had better start saving my dimes.....or not. BAAAHAHAHAHA!!!

Fun in the Sun

We love the sun, the heat, the pool, the smiles, the laughter and even the screams, screeches and yells from the little ones. Today is a beautiful day!

Why??

Because I can and I couldn't stop myself. I pushed my floor (which is 11) and before I could get out, it happened. My finger was out of control. I know it was immature but something came over me...I'm sorry. But you can't tell me that none of y'all have EVER done anything like this...maybe not when you were 43...but still.

Wild Olive Tee Giveaway!!

I know you all love giveaways! Here's one of the best! Get your verse on, spread the word and look so so cool in your fitted worn tee! And one of the owners is a friend of mine..Amie (although we've never met in person, there's a connection) and she's cool so you know the T's are cool!

You (or I) could win $75 in free t's just by commenting, posting, adding a button to your sidebar, etc. about their giveway!



So hop on over to Wild Olive Tees and check them out! I have a tee and I absolutely love it! The feel, the fit, the color and the verse....

Romans 11:17

And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.

Um...Pop???

Close your eyes now if you are easily scared! This will either terrify you or make you cry.

This is my Dad (aka Pop). He was a sport and performed a singing birthday gram for his boss. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or disown him and move far far away when I received this photo. I was speechless. And that is not normal for me, ask anyone in my family.

The scary thing is that he looks very comfortable. Sigh....any single ladies out there? We need help! We were told that he was a hit and the performance was hilarious! He's even sporting a bra stuffed with toilet paper rolls. His boss turned three shades of red when Pops "breast" hit his shoulder. (That sounds so wrong.)

And thank you niece Hannah for providing him with the lovely red shades to complete his ensemble! Why would you support this?? Oh and I have to mention that my sister provided the bra! I should mention that the bra was not my sisters, it was a new bra and had never been worn. But still!

So, this is a look into our lives with Pop in it. We really are a "normal" family. Maybe....

Please don't leave me after you read this post. I ask that you pray for me and Sheli...pray hard.

Graduation 2009

Well, it's over and I made it! And so did Jake! I can't believe he's all growed up! 18 yrs ago we were blessed with a handsome baby boy. Weighing in at 8.7 lbs on February 7, 1991. I can't believe it's been 18 years! The years really do fly by! My parents were right. I've enjoyed every minute of being his mom and will continue to enjoy it. Yep, there's been some trying times but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm truly proud of him!

Here's some photos from graduation for your viewing pleasure.....

Getting ready to head to the school...



Jake walking with one of his best friends, Brad...



Listening to the speeches...



Getting the goods...



I graduated!!...



End of ceremony...the beach ball appears...



Jake and his girlfriend Jordyn...



Cousins...



Jake and his buddies...




And this? This warms my heart...Jake & Pop...




There you have it...Graduation 2009. Now to finish up the last few details for the open house.

I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!