Bike, Blues & BBQ!

As most of you know, this past weekend was the all time, famous, Bikes, Blues & BBQ. This a a big get together that is held on Dixon Street every year. Well, being the big partier I am, I had to get involved in this tradition! So, Saturday night while I was babysitting i decided to cruise around with Ella on their bike. Let me tell ya, this thing was fast and scary! I was a little nervous at first, but after going around the block a couple of times, I think I finally got the hang of it! 

I didn't say it was a motorcycle! Just a Bike, much safer and much more fun! GO BB&BBQ!

August 19 vs September 23

As most of you know, my birthday was on Tuesday. But for some reason it was not a day full of joy and happiness like a Birthday is suppose to be. I woke up early that morning sad, went to school sad, went to school again sad and then went home sad. For some reason it really hit me hard that Kiley was not here for my birthday. She was not here to run in my room, flip on my light switch and wish me a Happy Birthday like she use to do.  I know she knew it was my birthday, and Im sure she wished me a happy day in heaven, but it wasn't the same. And the craziest thing is that her Birthday was back in August, and I actually handled her Birthday better than my own. I don't know if it's because we were traveling so it helped me keep my mind of her or what. It's weird how tears will randomly hit you. You don't know why or where they come from. They just began to fall.  I know there is a reason for everything, but sometimes it's hard to remember that, and hard to keep moving on. I miss my sister dearly, but I know she is in a better place, I just wish she could have been here for my 20th Birthday. 

Edit This!

My new favorite thing to do is edit pictures on my computer. It's amazing how a few changes can totally change a picture. From Black and White to Blurred edges, it's all a blast! Here are some before and after pictures....... ENJOY!

Did somebody say... CAKE?

 This past Friday I had the privilege to watch Bennett and Ella again. Since there is never anything to do, Katie bought a cake for Bennett and I to make. Any other time this would have been great! I love cake more than anything, but considering this was the first week of my hard core diet, this was very difficult, But we gave it a shot anyway. Bennett was sitting on the counter helping me mix ingredients, he was doing such a great job pouring in the cake mix, water and oil, unitil we got to the eggs..... I was going to do them, but he promised that he knew how to crack them, and that he does it at his Mimi's all the time. A little iffy, I thought to myself, hmmmm maybe a five year old really does know how to crack an egg. So what the heck, I let him at it, and oh was that a mistake, egg yolk went everywhere, including all over him! But it was worth a shot, and now I know he's not quite ready for the egg crackin' business yet. But anyways, we got the cake batter all mixed up, poured it into the pan and started baking it. By the way, Do you realize how hard it is to not lick the bowl of batter after your done... extremely! But I did it! I didn't take one single lick all night! Yeach ME! Nana, you would be so proud of me! (She hates it when we lick the batter and spoon after were done!)But Anywho, 

Bennett decided that it would be a good time to take baths while the cake is baking, than they can eat some when they get out... GOOD IDEA~   Well during thier baths, I realized that I forgot to put the sprinkles in the "Halloween cake mix" and that would be why it just look liked regular ole' white cake. Knowing that Bennett would be terribly upset if there were no sprinkles, I ran to the kitchen, opened the sprinkles, and poured them onto the batter. Well the cake had already been in there for a good 10-15 minutes, so of course it was already getting a hard film on the top of it, so I busted the top layer and stirred in the sprinkles as best as I could. After baths, and putting icing on the cake, I decided to let it cool a little before serving it to the kiddos. Well, as I was washing the dishes I turn around to put them up and there was Ella reaching for the cake.  But there was one small problem..... she couldn't reach, so long behold, if she doesn't pull out the kitchen drawer, climb in and try to reach it from there! It was adorable and hillarious at the same time, but of course very dangerous too.... BAD Ella!  LOL! = ) But anyways, that was my exciting night! Oh ya.... it ended with me cleaning up cake that had been thrown up!  YUCKY! Bennett was asleep on the couch, and he has been sick. Well he go to coughing so bad, that he threw up in his sleep. It was pitiful! I felt so sorry for the lil guy, but he never did wake up. hmmm !    

Here are some pictures of our beautiful cake and Ella trying to reach the beautiful cake! 

Happy Birthday Sammy-Who-Who !!!

This post goes out to my adorable nephew Sam! I promise I didn't forget your Birthday, I've just been so busy with school and work today, I've just now had a chance to blog. (Yes, it's 11:15 p.m. and I'm still up..... ahhhhh I'm turning into my brother! Never mind the fact that I have a 7:30 class tomorrow morning! ) Anyways! Happy 3rd Birthday Sam! You are such a doll, and such a  creative kid. I hope you had  wonderful birthday and I can't wait to see you this weekend to give you a Great BIG Birthday Hug, and your special gift thats just for You! Happy Birthday and Best of wishes! Love you!   <3 Mini

In Remembrance of 9/11

7 years ago today, our Nation was attacked. Several lives were lost, and many hearts were broken. It is a day that we will always remember, the loved ones that were taken from us, and even the one's who still suffer from this trajedy. It is a day full of sorrow, and still many tears fall on this horrendous day. I'm not going to go into detail, and explain the trajedy that happened on 9/11. I'm sure it is an event that every one is familiar with. But I did want to remind everyone to send out a prayer for those who lost their lives, and espcially for those who lost someone in their life. Even though it has been seven years, times are still toguh for these people. The pain is still there, but we can only hope that it eases with time. Also, please continue to pray for our soldiers representing our Nation. Without them, we would not be where we are today.

I found this very interesting, so I thought I would share it with everyone, if you haven't already heard, which I'm sure most of you have. At my work, we do have flags, and Stephanie and I had the privledge to lower them today in honor of Patriot Day.

Patriot Day, 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.
Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH



I also enjoyed this prayer!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Today is a difficult day. The memories are painful and some of the wounds I fear may never heal. Yet I pray you will help me to go on living for truth, firm in my hope of your salvation. May I live for you, Lord, and by doing so, be an example to my friends and family. I pray, just like Jesus, I may learn obedience through these things that I have suffered. Help me not to question why, yet even if I do, give me courage to continue to trust you. Help me take the comfort and strength you've poured into my life and use it to comfort and strengthen others who need hope.
I pray I might become a better person and help make the world a better place because of this terrible event. Thank you for the heroes that gave so sacrificially on September 11. Help me to remember their courage and learn from them. I want my life to be worthy of you Lord, so make of it what you desire, and use me to fulfill your purposes. May the evil of that day cause me and my family to work harder to do good on this Earth and to bring your light into the dark places. Help me to never stop believing in you and living my life for you.
Lord, heal all those who were crushed and broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.
Amen.



Thank you and God Bless!

2 Dumb Blondes and a Vietnamese

This past Sunday, Shelly Misty and I decided to go to "town" and return some stuff at the mall. While out and about, The girls decided that we needed a little pampering, so we decided to get our nails done. The mall nail salon was extremely busy, so we headed somewhere else. Not knowing where to go, we decided to try a new salon in Fayetteville, across from Walmart. The good news is that they were running a special..... A Manicure and a Pedicure for only $35.  When I go and get my nails done, I usually just get them painted, because I feel like they never do a good enough job for the price it costs to get fully pampered. But since Shelly and Misty were going to get both, I decided to splurge and get the real deal! We started the session off with pedicures, and I was very impressed. The tools that they use on your feet were removed from sterilizing bags. This is a big deal to me! I don't want anyone else's toe jam rubbin' up on my feet! Yuck!  So they proceeded with the pedicure. It wasn't the greatest pedicure, like always my heels were still ruff and the massage was pathetic, but overall I guess it was ok.  But this is where the fun begins. The little Vietnamese lady suggested getting french tip, to Misty and I.  Well I was already going to get french tip, but Misty was just going to paint hers red. The little lady suggests that Misty gets red french tip on her toes, because it looks really good! Misty wasn't really sure about the whole red tip thing. She like's her toes plain and simple, and red tips are not plain and simple! But the lady talks her into it, and wah-lah we have red and white stripes on our toes. But wait it gets better! The little vietnamese precedes to tell us that we need dots on our toes! "O, polka Dot's look so cute on toes, you have to try, it look good" Well, I was all for it, heck ya, polka dots! Why not! It's just toes, but Misty wasn't sure. Because once again, she like's her toes plain, and polka dots would definitely be stepping out of the box. But after several minutes of persuasion, the little lady talked us both into it. So, Bah-Bam, we have lines and dots, and yes they are adorable. Misty did red tips, with white dots, and I did white tips with black dots. We wrap things up with our toes and head over to the tables for our manicures. Remember we are getting we are getting a great deal, so we got to do both! ($35) Well again, the little lady, says, "ooooooo your nails need to match your toes, that looks good when they match" Misty wasn't to fond of the idea of polka dots on her finger nails, but she was feeling rather brave and risky, so she went for it! And of course I did too! Well usually most places have you pay before you begin your finger nails, that way they get there money and you don't mess up your nails paying them. Well not these ole' cats! They waited! Well Ya, Now we know why they waited. What was supposed to be a great deal ($35) Turned into a $65 manicure and pedicure.... each! Ya! They charged an extra $10 for tips ($5 for hands and $5 for feet) and a $1 per finger and toe for "nail art" That is if you call some simple dots nail art. So needless to say we paid $20 for dots, polka dots, something that I could of done! All together Misty and I paid $40 in dots. Those are some expensive dots! Misty, being cautious with money about hyperventilated. Her neck turned red, and she was furious. Shelly, who stuck with the single color of red on her toes, and fingernails, looked over at Misty, and said "You no Likey?" Ya, it was funny, but oh my goodness did we get ripped of by the Vietnamese. They didn't dare tell us their fees before starting this journey. And that little lady tried to persuade us the whole time we were there.  And did I mention, she asked us if we wanted our eyebrows waxed, because it's a great deal there? Ya right!  You just want more money from us. Well lady, I just got my done, so I know they don't look that bad yet, you little salesperson you. ERRRRR

So here are some pictures of our manicures and pedicures with a combined total of $130 (for misty and i)   WOW WOW WUZBY! 

I was hoping i could get insurance on these babies!

Holy Couch!

So, I was driving down the road, fixing to get on the by-pass, and here I see this massive object fly by. I wasn't sure what it was or where it came from, until I realized it was a couch, on top of a car. This vehicle looked like it could topple over any minute. It was the craziest thing.  The very cautious  and talented driver I am, whipped out my phone and took a picture of this big bad boy. Everyone that sees it thinks it's a building in the background. But I promise it's not! You won't believe your eyes!

All aboard.....

So this post goes out to my dear friend Stephanie. Stephanie is a wonderful and adorableyoung lady, but there's just one problem: Her Style! I will have to say that she has definitely come around. She has now added color to her wardrobe and even some stylish jewelry. One of the biggest changes Shawna and I have made on Stephanie is her makeup. She now wears eye-liner! And let me tell you boys and girls, this woman is HOTT! = ) To me eye liner and mascara are the two best things a woman can do to herself in the morning. Slap on some bat poop and call it good. It's amazing how such little tubes can change your looks completely. Now that Stephanie is wearing adorable clothes, jewelry and even eyeliner, there's just one thing left to change! Her shoes, also known as "The Boat Shoes" I used to have some shoes like this when I was in 6th grade. You know the black platforms with a thick strap across the top. The good news is that my adorable friend has even agreed to buying a new pair of shoes. So keep your eyes open and if you see a great deal on a pair of black flats let me know and we will get this girl out of the 90's and into the real world.   = )   love ya stepher!

Bored?

So most people go out and party hard. But when you're good kids like Trey and I, you sit around and make funny faces into the computer! I actually prefer this over the whole party thing. The good news is that we burned lot's of calories from laughing so hard. Here are some pictures from our wonderful evening.

Mac n Me

I have a new man in my life, his name is Mac, and he is wonderful. He's drop dead gorgeous, and very slim! Everything a girl could want from a man. = ) Actually the truth is Mr. Mac is a computer.  I decided that I needed a new computer, with another semester of school coming up. I had my decision narrowed down to two computers: an apple and a sony vaio. The sony was a lot smaller and lighter than this mac, but since Kirby swore up and down on a Mac I decided to go for it. (since he is the technology genius) So far I love my Mac! The options on here are unbelievable, and being able to chat live with my brother while he is in Harrison is pretty cool. So Becke, now you need a mac so I can talk live with you too! The best thing so far about this computer is that it's light weight, holds a charge for a long time, and doesn't just randomly kick me out of pages! (Becke you will like my new computer better when you're trying to blog, it will let you upload pictures much easier! )