Stuck in the Middle

Lately, I've been getting a little frustrated. I just don't know what to believe anymore. It's concerning the "Does". I feel like people are taking sides in this situation and I don't want to take a side. I kind of feel like I'm being forced to take a side just because I don't necessarily agree with everything that is happening. I feel like some people are just not being forgiving and are being extremely judgemental even though they might not know the whole side of the story. I mean, I don't know the whole side either which is why I am trying not to pick a side. It's just extremely frustrating. I keep thinking, what would Jesus do? Anyways, tomorrow I will be leaving for the middle school retreat in Myrtle Beach so no blogging for a few days.

Home Sweet Home

I'm finally back home and I am so glad. I missed all my friends here a lot and I also missed sleeping in my own bed. My back is killing me now from not being able to sleep. My room is covered in stuff that I am slowly putting up. I've taken a break to type this and check some things on the internet. While I do that, I am watching Bones. I got the first season over Christmas. Monk wasn't on sale this time :(. I have to unpack and then repack because I am leaving on tuesday to go on the middle school retreat with the church. It should be an interesting time. I hope. It'll definitely be something new to me. I'm going to the chiro tomorrow and then I've got a bunch of laundry to do. I was excited when I got here and saw my tourist in your own town pass came in the mail. YAY! I'm looking forward to going to the plantations. I've always wanted to go see them.

Day After Christmas

Well, I didn't quite update yesterday as I thought I would. My relatives arrived after 1 and we ate around 1:30. My cousin's grandfather left before they got here because he had to eat. Anyways, we opened presents and my aunt told us to open presents while my grandmother opened her presents. Eventually, my grandmother realized we were opening presents while she did and she made a huge fuss about it. We had to alternate with her after that. I got a GPS which was a surprise from my grandmother. That's about all that happened. I went and saw my cousins house and land and took a bunch of pictures of the damage from the tornado (yes, it was a tornado). My cousins were on the news 2 nights in a row. Here is the article from one of the news places. http://www.waff.com/global/story.asp?s=9582792. Here is the video. http://www.waff.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3275247&h1=Cleanup%20begins%20after%20strong%20storm%20destroys%20home&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=98467&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=3131386. Here is the second video. You can see my brother and cousins on it. Well, I can't find it right now. Maybe they haven't posted it yet. I'll see if I can find it tomorrow. Anyways, I'm going to a family reunion tomorrow and then we are leaving on sunday.

Ok, I found it here it is. http://www.waff.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3278999&h1=Limestone%20County%20EF1%20Tornado%20damages%20Bell%20Mina%20Community&vt1=v&at1=Video%20Player&d1=167167&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=78156064

Christmas

Every Christmas we always wake up early to look at our stockings and then we go back to sleep. I'm normally the person that wakes my brother and sister up. I woke up at 2 and decided that it was too early to go look so I woke up again at 5 and woke them up then. After I looked through my stocking, my neck and back started killing me. I'm having awful muscle pain right now. We finally found the heating pad so I put that on for about 2o minutes.

My other funny grandma story is this: my cousin Dee came home one night and my grandma looked at him and said, "I'm pregnant. And it's yours. I guess we are going to have to get married." I about busted out laughing when Tiffany told me this. I asked her what did Dee do and she said that was one night where he just went straight to his room and went to bed. Lol.

More to come later about Christmas since it's still only the morning. I'm sure I'll have more funny stories later. Check back for updates.....

Update: It's 12:30, we were suppose to eat at 12. No one is here except for all of us that slept here except for my cousins grandfather (not related to me in anyway). This happened last year. We were suppose to eat at 1 and we didn't eat til 3. Ever since my grandpa died, no one seems to ever be on time anymore. I think he would be highly disappointed. I think the thing that frustrates me the most about it all is the fact that they know we have to go somewhere else tonight yet they still take their sweet old time. Very disappointing.

A Not So Christmasy Christmas Eve

We just had a bad storm go through. We lost power for a few hours but thats about it. Then we get a phone call from my cousin saying that the wind had blown his shed away and his porch. A bunch of his stuff was exposed and he is now worried about looters and stuff. I think he has a bunch of tools and motorcycles that are now exposed. What a great way to spend Christmas Eve. Who knows if my brother is going to be here now for Christmas Eve. He might be spending the night at my cousins to help guard the stuff. It's definitely not feeling like Christmas. I guess a lot of that has to do with the weather and everyone is working now and my grandpa not being alive anymore. He used to make me feel like it was Christmas. Every Christmas He would always say I'm going to light a fire in the fireplace so Santa burns his bottom when he comes down the chimney. No more of that. Anyways, another funny grandma story to share. My cousin Tiffany told me this one. She said that is was like 12 or 1 in the morning and Dee (my other cousin who lives with my grandma) wanted to go to bed. So he asked my grandma if she was ready to go to bed and she said no so he took away her walker so she couldn't get up (she was in the recliner). Well, about an hour later, she yells that she wants to go to bed. By the time he comes in there, she changes her mind. This went on for awhile and he finally got tired of getting up so he just ignored her. Well then she starts making a noise every 5 minutes or so. This went on until 8 am. I thought that was one of the craziest things I had ever heard. I have another funny, but I think I'm going to save it for tomorrow. I have a few things that I am working on concerning myself. Things that I want to change\improve about myself. Maybe I'll share those tomorrow or not. We shall see. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas Song of the Day (last one this year): Santa Claus is Coming To Town

My Heart is Breaking

I got a call from a friend today. She is going through a nasty custody hearing with her husband. He had several people who she thought were friends write affidavits against her or for him. At times, I don't know what to believe. I want to believe what she is saying but at the same time, it's hard. I don't know what to do. Something that she told me just really disappointed me. I don't necessarily know what's true and what's not. However, I just really can't help feeling disappointed in what these people have done. It has affected my opinion of them. I can't help it even though I don't know if it's true or not. I guess I just need to pray for everyone involved in this situation that I've suddenly found myself in the middle of. I'm trying not to mention names at this point because I don't know who reads this or what. Anyways, just pray for my friend, her husband and the kids. You can call them Jon Doe, Jane Doe and the Doe Children. God knows who they are. Anyways, on a funnier note, my cousin Dee comes in and starts talking to my grandma. He normally lives with her. He said Grandma do you know who I am. She said that boy that lives with me. He said do you know my name? She said Dee. He said what's my last name? She said Coffee. Dee Coffee. My mom goes that's Patsy's son mom. My Grandma is like no, that's not her son. I was cracking up. It was hilarious. She thinks that my cousin Dee is 2 people. Dee Coffee is adopted (by my Aunt Patsy) and he plays for Alabama. This is the funniest part. My grandma thinks that my cousin Dee, who is white, plays for Alabama's football team. She thinks he's the black football player with the last name Coffee. I can't remember what position he plays, but it just cracks me up. It always makes me laugh.

Not So Christmasy Christmas Song of the Day: Achy Breaky Heart

To Grandmother's House I Go

I just got to Alabama this afternoon from Tennessee. I had a ton of fun in Tennessee and didn't really want to leave. Mainly I didn't want to drive. I hate driving. I love my friend Jess's little girl, Addison. She is super cute! I still haven't heard about that job I interviewed for. I'm trying to be patient. I don't know who to call about it anyways, because I don't even have a phone number to call. I applied for another job at CSU, but I seriously doubt I'll even get a call about it. It's like administrative assistant to the VP of Business Affairs, but it's a job and I applied for it. I really need to work on my sister's scrapbook. I should try and get it done, but I'm really not feeling like working on it right now. Maybe tomorrow. I'm on cd 5 of The Chronicles of Narnia. I finished The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Then listened to The Horse and His Boy. I can't remember much of the parallels there except for maybe trust. It's a good story though. If you want to know more about it, I can tell you. Then the next one was Prince Caspian (which is the movie that just came out). Now I'm on the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I just started it. Still, I'm halfway through the books and that's saying something. Some of my cds have scratches on them. On a side note, one of the girls on Wheel of Fortune tonight is from Greenville and she went to the College of Charleston. She is a english professor at Clemson. Very interesting!

Christmas Song of the Day: I'm Getting Nuttin For Christms

A Disappointing Day

Well, I heard back about that job that I was so excited about. They said they had a great response and were looking at candidates with more administrative assistant qualifications. Sounds like a load of crap to me. Ok. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood right now. Still, I was super psyched about this job and that was just a huge disappointment. I seriously hate looking for jobs. I hate the disappointments and letdowns. It's super frustrating! On top of that, I love Christmas because I love presents and I just experienced a huge letdown. I don't know. Maybe it's because I got my phone and so that was the majority of my Christmas present. I got that three shirts and a basket with bath & body works stuff. That's it. I don't know. Maybe it's just cause my brother and sister got a ton of more stuff than me, but I can't compare what I got to what they got because it might all come out to the same amount. I still just can't help being disappointed. I guess also my brother got a lot of stuff because he graduated as well. It's just hard for me to seperate the two because they both occurred at Christmas time. Hopefully, my Christmas will get better. We shall see. I think the best present I could get at this point would be a call from that place I interviewed at offering me a job. I don't really have my hopes up about that one anymore either. Anyways, I won't be blogging for a few days because I will be in Tennessee. YAY! I'm looking forward to that.

Christmas Song of the Day: If We Make It Through December

Graduation

Wow! So my brother graduated from college today! It took long enough. Only 5 years later. I guess that's not too bad. Graduation took like 3 hours! I think we stood for 30 minutes while everyone walked in. Super long! Then we went out to lunner (lunch and dinner combined). My cousin cracked us up with stories about my grandma. He lives with her and she has dementia so she does some pretty crazy things sometimes. She thinks my cousin is adopted, has a twin and his last name is Coffee. She thinks that he plays on Alabama's football team (whichever player's last name is Coffee). The funny thing is that the Alabama player is black and my cousin isn't so I don't get how she gets them confused. It's quite interesting. He said that she will read the same thing over and over again. For example, my aunt got my brother a card that played music for graduation and my grandmother opened and closed it for "four hours" while they were driving here. My uncle said it drove him crazy. He said he eventually gave her the sale ads to read. Anyways, I am currently listening to the Chronicles of Narnia on cd. I listen to it every Christmas during my travels. I've already finished The Magician's Nephew which is the first book chronologically but the sixth book that was written. It basically tells the story of how Narnia came to be. Everytime I listen to it I see the biblical parallels. Aslan is like God. The witch is like Satan. Aslan appoints two humans to be king and queen of Narnia (like Adam and Eve). Right now I am listening to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I'm at the part where Lucy, Susan, Edmond and Peter have all entered Narnia and have just met the beavers. Hopefully, I can remember the parallels and can write more as I listen to it. Sometimes I can't remember things later. I have to write them down right away or I will forget. Oh well, such is life.

Christmas Song of the Day: Good King Wenscelas (I have no idea how to spell that)

Commissioning and stuff

I went to my brother's commissioning today. It was pretty cool. Although, it was kind of long and boring but I guess I can't complain. It was pretty cool all the guys singing their songs at the end and the salutes. It was a long drive to Clemson though. On friday we are opening our presents. That should be fun. Still no word on that job I interviewed for. I just want an answer. I'm trying to be patient, because I know the last interview I had, it took longer than I expected to hear back plus it's Christmas time so it might be harder to get things approved. Anyways, both my aunts will be here tomorrow as well as two of my cousins. It should be an interesting experience especially since my cousins like to be loud. Hopefully, they will control themselves. That's not very likely though. I'm looking forward to going to Tennessee and seeing Jess and Addie (Michael too, I guess, that's Jess's husband). I went back in August and had a great time. I wish I could have stayed longer then. I am also looking forward to January when Carrie and I get to be tourists in our own town. Should be tons of fun! My mom wanted me to make cookies today. I really didn't want to, but I made the dough and she baked the cookies. We made the peanut butter cookies with the hershey kisses in them.

Christmas Song of the Day: A Soldier's Night Before Christmas

Laughter is good medicine

Right now, I'm laughing so hard. America voted Ed in! You reap what you sow! Treat people like dirt and no one will want to do you any favors. Anyways, I'm hoping Michelle wins! I will be extremely disappointed if anyone else wins. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the Biggest Loser. Today I drove to Greenville. I hate driving. I'm glad it's Christmas time though. I get to meet my brother's new girlfriend tomorrow at his commissioning. Hopefully she is nice. I still haven't heard about that job yet. Hopefully I will hear soon. I just want to hear one way or another. I don't like this whole waiting thing, but I guess it's teaching me patience. I'm thinking that all these contestants have lost a ton of weight! (sorry, got on a side track there) I'm done watching the girls (at least I think I am). We shall see if Ryan finds someone more permanent. If I don't get a job, then I told him I could help him out for a little while.

Christmas Song of the Day: The Christmas Song

I'll be home for Christmas

Yay! I'm leaving tomorrow for Greenville. I'm excited to be done watching the girls, but I'm also sad. I've kind of grown attached to them. Although, Morgan is sick ALL the time. I swear, that girl does not know how to stay well. I hope I hear about that job soon. I would love to get it, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. It's so annoying looking for jobs and all that stuff. I'll be glad when that's over and done with. I'm pretty much packed and I have a ton of stuff to take with me. It's unreal. Some of it's presents though. That's always a good thing. I'm watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 and I'm about to cry. They are at St. Jude's handing out Christmas gifts. It's just makes me emotional. I guess that's what happens sometimes.

Christmas Song of the Day: The Christmas Song

Joy to the World

I finally finished Christmas shopping! Yay for me! I'm so glad to be done. I normally love shopping, but it's kind of hard this year because I shouldn't spend money. I'm trying to finish this stocking I'm making. Then I've got to finish my Christmas cards. I'm leaving tuesday afternoon to go to Greenville. I'm ready for a little vacation. I'm hoping I get a call about a job soon. It would be nice to have a job to start the new year on. I watched Katie and Wyatt last night while Michelle and Billy did some Christmas shopping. Anyways, Michelle wrapped all my presents for me on friday night. It was nice. I wrapped a few presents myself yesterday even though I hate wrapping presents. Mostly it consisted of putting them in a box and putting a ribbon on it. I know, I'm super lazy, well, and super busy.

Christmas Song of the Day: Away in a Manger

Blah, Blah, Blah

Ok so I need to finish my Christmas shopping, but I really don't feel like doing it. I only have to buy a few more gifts, but I just feel like doing nothing. I really don't want to do anything. The sad thing is I only have to go less than two miles to get to where I need to go. I was going to go to the mall, but I need my printer to work first. That means I need ink for my printer. I also need to finish the stocking I'm making as well as send out my Christmas cards. They are done. I just need to write in them and mail them. I just don't feel like writing anything right now. Plus I have a headache. I think I'm such a complainer today. Who knows what is wrong with me. Anyways, I guess I'll probably go and get it over with.

Christmas Song of the Day: 12 Things At Christmas That Are Such A Pain To Me

Coca-Cola Christmas Song (the one with the polar bears)

I haven't seen any coke commercials lately. Very odd. I think I normally see them around the holidays. I don't know what made me think about that. Maybe because I'm craving a coke or something. Anyways, I think my job interview went well. He said they had 45 or so applicants and he interviewed about 14-17. I should hear next week from him. We shall see. I wasn't sure going into the interview, but the more I think about it, the more I'm ok with it. I like the hours either 7:00-3:30 or 8:00 to 4:30. I get to choose from the state insurance plans, I can carry up to 360 time off hours a year, and I get all state holidays off. Very nice! Anyways, I really liked the job applied for on monday, but I'm trying to keep an open mind about this job. If I don't get it, then I will have an open mind and keep looking. Well, I will keep looking anyways regardless. Anyways, only three more days of watching the girls. It makes me want to have kids so bad. It's ridiculous! I'm hoping I can get over this. Otherwise, I'm going to drive myself insane.

Christmas Song of the Day: Carol of the Bells

Time Is Ticking Away

I have so much to do and no time. I'm skipping church tonight just to finish my Christmas Cards and get a few other things done. Plus I have a job interview tomorrow and I need to be ready for that before tomorrow morning since I have the girls tomorrow. I'm starting to get stressed because I feel like I have no time to do anything. I guess that's life, though. Anyways, only one more week and then vacation! I'll be leaving next tuesday afternoon\evening to go to Greenville. YAY! I'm so looking forward to Christmas. Hopefully, it will be a fun time. We shall see.

Christmas Song of the Day: Up On The Housetop

Photoshop

I downloaded some action sets from Pioneer Woman. I LOVE them! I know how to use InDesign and Illustrator but photoshop I still quite haven't grasped all the little things. I know what I want to do sometimes, but I just don't know how to do it. Anyways, I took two different photos and one I applied a Vintage Action to and the other one I applied a seventies and burnt edges look too. This is how they turned out.

PS. Can someone tell me how to insert photos where I want them instead of them going in at the top and then me moving them?

Christmas Song of the Day: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Call Me

I'm really excited about this job I found online today. I was looking at monster.com and I saw an ad for an administrative assistant. I clicked on it and saw it was for Water Missions International. They are a non-profit (i'm assuming) christian organization that provides water and sanitation needs to disaster stricken areas and third world countries. Their website is here: http://www.watermissions.org/about.html. Anyways, I was really excited to find an administrative assistant position for a christian organization in the salary range that I was looking for. I'm really hoping I get called for an interview. Pray for me that if this is the job God wants me to have, then it will all work out.

Christmas Song of the Day: Jingle Bells

Christmas Time is Here

Today Carrie and I finished the Christmas cookies. Yay! Now I have to finish everything else I need to do. I feel like I have a ton of stuff to do and I don't know if I will get it all done. Anyways, today at church Kathryn wasn't there to help me so I was by myself. Heather let Hannah (her daughter) stay in the room with me to help me out. Well, I asked her what she wanted for Christmas she said phone, then a laptop (if she doesn't get the phone) and then a camera (if no laptop). She said if you have any extra phones at home, I'll take them. Then she asked me how old I was when I got a phone, I told her 21 (I think it was actually 19). Then she asked me how old I was now and I said 26. I told her she didn't need a phone til she could drive. She said how old do you have to be for that, I said 15 or 16. She said can you teach me to drive? I said if I'm still around then. I was laughing about it. Then I told her I had two digital cameras and she said, can I have one? I was like no. I don't think so. One's my nice one and one I put in my purse. She told her mom she didn't want to go to her class anymore. She was going to help me from now on. Lol. I love Hannah and her sister. They are great. Anyways, we took a bunch of crazy pictures when we were making stuff today. Carrie said we should sell cookie trays next year. What do you think? Should we? I'll post a picture later of what we made.

Christmas Song of the Day: Blue Christmas

Christmas Cookies

Today Carrie and I made Christmas cookies. When I say made cookies, I mean MADE COOKIES! We started at 10:30 and Carrie made her pumpkin something another cookies and I made sugar cookies with the cookie press. Then we made the peanut butter cookies with hershey kisses in them. After that, we let the oven cool then made pretzels with hershey kisses on them (melted the kiss a little in the oven) and put a m&m on it. Then we made chocolate chip cookies and M&M cookies. While the chocolate chip cookies were baking, we took an hour break to eat leftover pizza and watch the first episode of house. In between all of that, we also made candies, fudge and rice krispie treats. Carrie also made icing for her pumpkin cookies. We finished around 4:30. Tomorrow I'm going over there and we are going to make all the chocolate covered stuff. YUMMY! When we were walking through the store yesterday, I was like we should do chocolate covered oreos. I kept saying random things we should cover in chocolate (pickles, bacon, etc). I also ended up with a paper cut from opening up the flour and a burn on my finger from the stove. That last one hurts! Anyways, we didn't get to finish because I had to go babysit. Hopefully, we can get it all done quick tomorrow. My back is killing me and I feel like I've constantly been going non-stop for like forever.

Christmas Song of the Day: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

The Chicken Dance

I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Seriously, I should not even be typing this. I should be in the car on the way to Michelle's, but I just can't break the cycle of blogging everyday yet. I'm an addict. I hate wal-mart. It took forever to find a parking place and forever to check out and forever to get out of the parking lot. If you are ever in summerville, do NOT go to the wal-mart at exit 199. It's terrible. I'm super excited about pizza tonight with Carrie and making cookies this weekend (this is why I should not be typing on here). Before I go to her house, I have to go to Michelle's to (1) print and fill out a job application since I have no ink in my printer and (2) she is having a purse party so I want to see the purses that she has there. Anyways, that's it for now. Sorry for the randomness.

Christmas Song of the Day: Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

I'm bringing home a....

BABY!! My friend Ellen had her baby! 3 weeks early! Her water broke this morning and she had the baby around 5:30. She wasn't even pushing that long. Her name is Caroline Ruby and she is 19" long and weighs 6 lbs and 5 oz. She and Ellen are doing great. I saw them at the hospital for a few hours, but didn't hold the baby since I've had a cold and didn't want to chance passing along my germs. Anyways, this needs to be short cause I have to get up early in the morning. My feet are killing me. I think my ankles are swollen. At least, they look swollen. I'm glad tomorrow is friday. I have a busy weekend ahead of me. I have so many things that I need to do. It's crazy. I need to finish my christmas cards, finish buying presents, wrap presents, make a scarf and a stocking and make cookies. There is probably some more stuff I need to do but I can't remember what it is right now.

Christmas Song of the Day: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Rollin (Rollin) Rollin (Rollin) Rollin on a River

I sang Proud Mary with Cheyenne today when she woke up from her nap. She loved it. (She's almost 4 months). I laid her in my lap and moved her arms to the motions and she just smiled and cooed at me the whole time. She loves it when you sing to her. She's a pretty happy baby. Morgan on the other hand is another story. She doesn't listen at all. You call her name and she ignores you. I was making some progress with her until I was gone for a week and a half while they were sick. Today she wouldn't leave child's day out. She would just collapse on the floor. It was awful. I had to carry her out and Patti (the director of child's day out and the pastor's wife) carried out Cheyenne for me. Then in all of that mess, I lost my sunglasses. They were such a good pair of sunglasses. I think I had them for 3 or 4 years. That's a long time in sunglass years. Anyways, Carrie just informed that Tommy Tuberville resigned (that's Auburn's football coach). It'll be interesting to see who they replace him with. I'm super excited that I've gotten to be involved in some surprise Christmas presents. I can't say who even though the people probably don't read my blog. Anyways, two more days until the weekend. YAY! Then Carrie and I are making cookies. Double YAY! Hopefully I won't get a flat tire like the last time I went to her house. That would suck. After this week, only one more full week of work left before I leave for Christmas. I'm super excited about that.

Christmas Song of the Day: 12 Days of Christmas

Just Around The Riverbend

I'm currently watching The Biggest Loser. I must say I can't stand the blue team specifically Vicki. What a loser! She sets a terrible example for her kids on the way to treat people. Anyways, I'm ready for this week to be over. I'm glad tomorrow is wednesday. I can't take much more of these girls that are sick all the time and Morgan doesn't listen, AT ALL. Only one more full week until I'm done. YAY! Hopefully, I can find something soon after the new year. I just saw the Kay's commercial with Jane Seymour's open heart design. I really like it. Too bad I won't get it. Quick fact: I don't own any diamonds. None. Zip. Zero. I thought about buying myself one, but refrained. I just bought some sudafed nasal spray so far I can breath through my nose. It's really nice. We'll see how long it lasts tonight. Last night I did not sleep well at all. I kept getting up and going to the bathroom. Note to self: do not drink a big glass of water before bed.

Christmas Song of the Day: Away in a Manger

All I Want for Christmas...

Seriously, I want this snot to go away. I'm tired of blowing my nose. It's driving me crazy. My nose is raw and red. It sucks. Anyways, on a more positivie note, I went to that website ElfYourself and put my picture, Carrie's, Gina's, Krista's, and Michelle's on it. I cracked up lauging. If you want to see it, go here http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/dYYMEJPyJEfK/fF9uNaxtHlxtIT6wCeMNVwbE. I crack up everytime I watch it. I went to the chiropractor today. It was so nice. I feel a lot better. Then I watched the girls for a few hours. They took a nap for a few hours so that was nice. I came home after Ryan was home. That's about all I did today with the exception of the ElfYourself. I'm still laughing about that. I guess I should work on my Christmas cards.

Christmas Song of the Day: The Chipmunk Christmas Song

Frosted Window Panes

I don't think we ever have frosted window panes here. The only thing that is frosted over is the car windshield. Anyways, today at church I asked Michelle about the elf. She told me this morning the elf had moved to the bathroom. When the kids got up, they went downstairs and he wasn't where he was last night. They flipped out. They were like Dad, the elf is gone. Michelle was like Billy said well, let's go find him. They finally found him in the bathroom. She said Wyatt said that is weird. Lol. That cracks me up. Anyways, I made some cookies today with the cookie dough that I bought from Emma's school. They were so good! I would have made more but I was too impatient for the cookie dough to thaw. I'm about to laugh. I'm listening to Ellisa talk to Skipper (Andy's friend) about his girlfriend and the present he got her for Christmas. He bought her a pearl necklace. Ellisa told him that's a big gift and he's like no it's not. Anyways, tomorrow I'm going to the chiropracter and getting a massage after my appointment. Yay! My back has been killing me lately. Then I have the girls from 11:30 on. Hopefully it won't be too bad. Ryan said they are sick. Morgan should go to sleep around 12:45 so hopefully she will sleep most of the afternoon. Good for me. Who knows with Cheyenne. She is one little baby that you don't know when she will sleep.

Christmas Song of the Day: O Holy Night (only because that's what's playing on the tv)

"A beautiful high sulfer variety of coal"

Today I went to Michelle's house to watch the football games and work on my Christmas cards. I ended up doing neither. I went with her family and the kids went to see Santa. Well, Santa almost ruined the Christmas present thing Michelle had planned. See, Michelle got a dog for the kids, but Santa told them he couldn't bring them a dog. Now she is writing a letter saying that he changed his mind and decided to drop off the dog early. The dog is at her mother-in-laws house and they want to go ahead and bring it to their house so it will get adjusted. Then we went to wal-mart where I bought an elf that Michelle could use. She keeps looking for The Elf on the Shelf book but can't find it anywhere. So I bought an elf for her to use. The book basically says that Santa sent the elf to report back to him whether or not the kids are being good. It just sits in the house and watches them, then every night goes back to the north pole to report back how the kids where. When the elf returns, he is in a different place. So you basically move him around the house. You can also have it do different things like change the toilet bowl water, etc. The kids freaked out when they came home and saw the elf. Wyatt went to the bathroom and that's when Michelle put out the elf. It was hilarious. The elf's name is Oliver. We told them the elf wouldn't move while they were watching him so they went and hid behind the Christmas tree. It was so funny! Anyways, Carrie sent me this text message of this sign that said Cowboys Welcome. I was like Carrie you should buy it for your house since I don't have a house. She said that it was already sold though :( Oh well, there is always next year.

Christmas Song of the Day: Christmas Time is Here

"It seems I'm not an elf"

I'm sitting here watching Elf and making my Christmas cards. I love Christmas. I shopped for nine and a half hours straight. Came home slept for a few hours, ate lunch, went back out to get Carrie's mail and go to Lifeway, and then came home. I was going to go to Target and Kohl's but I was just too tired. I've got a cold and my nose is constantly running. My left ear keep popping everytime I swallow. I hope I get better soon. Anyways, I got most of my Christmas shopping done. It was great. I got Wyatt a Wii game at Best Buy for $20. I looked for the Princess game I wanted to give Katie and couldn't find it. I was ticked. Anyways, I was thinking when they open my presents I wonder if they are going to say, "How did she know we were getting a Wii from Santa?" (I doubt they'll think about it like that, but you never know) Anyways, I figured out an answer just in case. I'm going to tell them that Santa told me that he was leaving them a Wii. I figured that would cover all my bases. When my sister was younger, my brother, cousin and I used to tell her we were elves. It was great. We told her we would go work at Santa's workshop. We made up all kinds of stories. I have no idea if she actually believed us. I just saw the part in Elf where he tries to hug the racoon. "I just wanted a hug!" Hilarious! Anyways, I'll be watching the girls from monday until I leave to go to Doug's commissioning and graduation. Just during the day though. Not all the time. I think I would go insane if I had them all the time. Anyways, I can't believe the month of November is almost over. I've been unemployed for two and a half months now. Crazy! I'm hoping I'll find something soon.

Christmas Song of the Day: Little St. Nick by the Beach Boys

Turkey for me, Turkey for you

Today I made a lemon ice box pie for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn't too hard. I did learn that you make meringue with egg whites, sugar and cream of tarter. Very interesting. A few days ago I learned how to make gravy from scratch. It isn't hard at all. You just save the grease from whatever your cooking (this had been porkchops) and add flour to it. Then you stir it up til it thickens and then you gradually add water making sure you don't add too much. Not hard at all. At least, describing it isn't hard. Doing it might be a different thing. Anyways, I'm currently watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade upstairs because my sister decided she wanted to watch some Taylor Swift special. Teenagers. Can't do anything with them. Lol. Anyways, we are also waiting on my brother and his crazy dog to get here. That dog is crazy. My dad calls him a horse. He's just so awkward and the poor cat just runs and hides from him, because Walker (that's the dog) wants to play with her and she's scares of him. Anyways, I'm not looking forward to my drive back to Charleston. I hate driving. Hopefully, Ellisa will drive when we go shopping at midnight (YAY!) I'm hoping I find some great deals since money is really tight for me this year. We shall see.

Christmas Song of the Day: Rockin around the Christmas Tree

The Thanksgiving Song

That Adam Sandler song cracks me up. Love to eat turkey! In honor of tomorrow being Thanksgiving, here is a link to a youtube video (not the greatest, but it has the song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhasEcwXaug. Anyways, I'm hating this cold weather. It's making my skin super dry. I put lotion on my face and two minutes later I have to put more lotion on. It's crazy! I'm not looking forward to driving back to Charleston tomorrow, but I am looking forward to going shopping on friday. Anyways, didn't do much today. I got all the snowflakes made for my Christmas cards so that's one less thing I have to do, but I still have a lot left to do on those cards.

Christmas Song of the Day: Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Frosty the Snowman

I went to my mom's classroom today to help her out. Well, she had me paint snowmen on ornaments. I didn't really paint snowmen, I just added the eyes, buttons, nose, mouth, hat, arms and scarves to the hand print that was on the ornament so each finger looked like a snow man. Very time consuming. I finished though. Now my hands are all yucky though. I got to see my friend Leah's baby, JB, while I was at the school. Her mom teaches there too and she had brought JB with her when she came back from TN this past weekend so Leah could leave today right after she got off work. I've looked at some black friday ads today and I am getting more and more excited about going shopping. I still have no cluse as to what I'm buying. I played the piano today and realized how much I miss playing. I really need to find a piano to play on in Charleston. I'm sure Michelle won't mind if I come over and play hers. I haven't really had anything exciting today probably because I didn't do anything but go help my mom. I've attempted to start on my Christmas cards. We'll see how well that goes. I finally figured out how to make snowflakes. It took about a gazillion tries. No, I'm not an idiot. I want small ones that you use a punch with, but you have to insert the paper a certain way and I couldn't figure out how you were suppose to position it because you don't just put the paper in it and punch you have to position it a certain way to get what you want because I'm using a decorative square punch that Michelle had. I know, it would be easier to go out and buy a snowflake punch, but where's the fun in that. Plus, I don't need to spend any money and Michelle lending it to me is free.

Christmas Song of the Day: Christmas Time Is Here

I Drove All Night

Ok, so I didn't drive all night. Technically, I drove for 3 hours today, but I made the song work. Anyways, I hate cars, trucks, semis, you name it, I hate it. I almost got sideswiped by a semi today, because he didn't know how to merge. There was a cop in front of me. I should have let him hit me, then again, I might not be here to type this so maybe not. Then some dumb truck decided to cut in front of me on the interstate. I was in a line of cars and had passed him, then he speeds up and cuts in front of me then slows down. Then I got tailed by this truck and it was raining. If he wanted to go faster, he could've passed me. I wasn't about to get over, not after he tailed me. I need a bumper sticker that says I am not intimidated by your dumb truck. It annoys me more than anything when they get right on my bumper. It justs makes me want to go slower and tick them off. Usually I'm pretty nice about changing lanes for the car behind me as long as they don't tail me. You tail me and I won't budge. Sorry bud. Anyways, speaking of cars, I took my car in this morning to get the oil changed and tires rotated. I tell them the brakes are squeaking. He comes back and tells me my brakes had dust on them so they cleaned them off and the o-ring, valve (something), and oil pan are leaking. Great! It's $435 to fix it all. Just what I need. Something else to fix on my car. Seriously, I need to become a car mechanic or something. I would save a TON of money. Either that or I need to marry someone who knows something about cars or who is a mechanic or who is related to a mechanic. I guess I'll add that to the list.

Qualities to look for in a guy:

1. Christian (of course)
2. Cowboy (lol, only Carrie gets that one)
3. Short hair (Carrie understands this one too)
4. Must know something about cars
5. Southern or Mid-western accent would be nice too (I love that drawl)

I'm not too picky am I? Lol. I crack myself up sometimes.

I think being single sometimes causes me to go temporarily insane. A girl can dream right? Anyways, I went to the outlets today. I bought Kristopher a coat. Stupid me forgot I had a gift card to the outlets so I put it on my debit card. I'm such an idiot. It was a cute coat though. I could spend so much money in those little kids stores on clothes. I'm sure my friends love me spending money buying their kids clothes because then they don't have to. The only problem with this is I shouldn't be spending any money. I have a weakness for shopping what can I say. Someone needs to take me away from the city then maybe I'll stop. Maybe. After all, I can probably still get on the internet wherever I am. I hope. Oh, yesterday while I was at Sandie's (I can't remember if I typed this already, if I did, oops!) I saw all the animals. I want to go back and take pictures. I'm kind of excited about that. They have a calf, pony, goats, sheep, chickens and maybe something else. I'm not sure.

Christmas Song of the Day: I Want A Hippopotamaus for Christmas

Four Christmases

I just a a scene from the movie the Four Christmases and just cracked up. They were talking about how they don't spend Christmas with their family. They tell them they are doing charity. Then one of the other guys was like you lie to your family? And Vince Vaughn's character said you can't spell families without lies. Try it. I cracked up. Just thought I'd share that.

Up On The Housetop

Ok, so I got very frustrated with the unemployment office today. I called about 100 or more times and I kept getting a busy signal. I finally got through. It was most annoying. Yesterday when I was driving back from Christmas Remembered there was this car just stopped at the entrance to the subdivision. I think they were switching drivers or something, but it reminded me of when I was in middle school and we did Chinese Fire Drills. If you don't know what that is, it's when you stop the car and everyone gets out and runs around the car and gets back in as quick as possible. We did this is middle school and switched cars with the car in front of us. However, the driver decided to lock us out and then we didn't realize that one of the guys was asleep in the back seat and so it scared us to death. It was rather funny. One day maybe I'll type out all the crazy things that happened at girl scout camps. The reason I jumped from chinese fire drills to girl scouts is my best friend, Jess, was with me at both things and I just thought about it. Jess had a baby back in September named Addie. She looks super cute from her picture (I actually haven't seen her in person). I hope to be able to go see them in Tennessee at Christmas time. I'm also hoping I get to see snow this year. We'll see. I'm super excited that I'm going home tomorrow! Yay for going home to see family! I haven't seen them since Gina's Wedding. Then only two weeks until my Christmas vacation. I've been looking forward to that for a long time. I was thinking about going on a cruise in December but I decided against that for money reasons (before I lost my job). I'm disappointed but hopefully I will get to go somewhere fun next year. I'm also hoping I find a job soon as well. We'll see.

Christmas Song of the Day: I'll Be Home for Christmas

Santa Baby

I just got back from my friend Ellen's shower. She got some really cute things. Her nursery is decorated in ladybugs. My friend Joanna made the cake for the shower and it turned out really cute. It was a ladybug. I learned today that I do not need to skip lunch. I have the worst headache ever and I think it's because I didn't eat lunch. Oops! Needless to say, I will be trying to eat lunch from now on. Also, I learned today that it's $9.50 to go to a movie after 3. What?! That's just nuts. They say they don't make any money at the front, but someone is making money. There is another theatre in town that I think charges $4 or $5 for a movie after 4, unless they changed it. I might be frequenting that theatre from now on even though it's not as nice. Anyways, at Ellen's shower I realized I had a zit forming on the side of my nose. I'm super mad about it. I have one on my forehead in between my eyes and now one on the side of my nose. What is up with that? Oh, I was super excited yesterday to find out that I actually have a follower to my blog. I don't know who it is, possibly Gina since she comments sometimes, but thanks for reading all my crazy posts.

The other day as I was driving I had this crazy lady in a red minivan who was an Obama supporter driving behind me. She was driving sort of weird and when I looked in my rear view mirror she was talking on the phone. Go figure! Some people should not be allowed to drive while talking on the phone. She wasn't just talking on the phone. She was talking with her hands while on the phone. Her hands would come off the wheel (well, one hand, because the other hand was holding the phone) and then she would make some motion with her hand and then eventually, grab the wheel again. I was kind of glad she was behind me, because if she wrecked, at least she wouldn't hit my car.

Oh, today I got a phone call from the Honda dealership. I called thursday to make an appointment to bring my car in for an oil change. Anyways, this guy calls and tells me they are interested in buying my car because it's what they are looking for in their pre-owned dept. I was like, look, I just paid it off and I don't have a job. I can't afford to buy a new car right now so thanks, but no thanks. I thought it was pretty interesting that they actually called and wanted my car with 125,000 miles on it.

Christmas Song of the Day: All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth (in honor of Kristopher and Abi who is getting her's pulled on monday)

Cry Me A River

I couldn't go to sleep last night because Kristopher was crying. I woke up to Kristopher crying. I felt so bad for him that I went in there and got him this morning. I also couldn't sleep last night because of something someone told me yesterday. It really bothered me and I just don't know what to do. I can't even talk about it on here. It's very frustrating. Anyways, Ryan called last night and said I didn't have to go over and watch the girls today. I got to sleep in a little bit. I don't know what I'm going to do today. I might just try and get some things done and start on my Christmas cards. I've got to make some candies for Ellen's baby shower tomorrow, but that won't take very long. Tonight I'm going to the holiday market and a Stingrays game. I love watching hockey as long as no one gets hurt. You wouldn't think I like the violence, but strangely enough, I do. In fact, one Christmas I was at my aunt's house and I watched rugby on her tv. I loved it! I know, very strange. Anyways, I've got a busy weekend ahead of me between baby shower, Christmas Remembered at the church, church and going to see Sandie and the baby (again) the weekend will fly by. I am only going to be working on monday next week so that's good. I'm excited to be going home for a few days and to be going shopping for Christmas next week. Yay for Christmas! If you can't tell, it's my favorite holiday. I think I've already said that before.

Christmas Song of the Day: Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer

Baby, Baby

Man, I'm having fun coming up with songs for my titles for my entries. Somedays I have like a gazillion ideas and other days not so much. Today was one of those not so much days. Anyways, my friend Sandie had her baby this morning at 2:1o. Her sister called me this morning to tell me that. I went by the hospital after I dropped off Morgan and Cheyenne at Child's Day Out. The baby's name is Samantha Elizabeth. She is too cute. I got to hold her for an hour. I loved looking at her face. She made some of the funniest facial expressions and at one point, she had both her arms in the air by her head. I was like look Sandie, she is saying I give up. Anyways, I'm super excited about the gift cards that were given to me today. Now I can buy Christmas presents. Yes!

Anyways, my friends Nikki and Ryan are definitely in need of some prayer with all they've been through. I've been thinking about them a lot lately. I know we all need prayer, but they've just been on my mind. Anyways, I applied for another job today. It would be a pay decrease from what I was making at Berenyi, but it's better than what I'm making now, which is nothing.

Christmas Song: Silent Night

Money, Money, Money

If you can't tell, I seem to think in songs. Last night at bible study as we were listening to Beth Moore, she would say something it would trigger a song. I think we went through Don't Stop Believing, Gangsta's Paradise and another one, but I can't recall what it was. Oh, I left out, You Gotta Have Faith. That song always pops into my head when talking about faith. I know, I'm weird. Anyways, lately I've been stressing about money. Not that I don't have any, because I do. However, I'm worried that I won't have any in the future. Money is definitely the root of all evil. If I didn't have to worry about money, I feel like my life would be a lot easier, inside I know it won't. Why did God have to let man create money? Seriously! What good has it brought anyone? Anyways, enough about that. I'm hoping to find a job soon and hoping that the weather gets warmer. I can't stand this cold. My hair is all staticky and I hate it. I am excited that there are only 2 more days until the weekend. I have to make a diaper cake sometime. Who knows when i will accomplish that.

Christmas Song of the Day: Frosty the Snowman

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Ok, I've realized how much I dislike the cold. It makes my hair all staticky (is that a word). It makes my jeans stick to my knee high socks. (I know, I'm weird). It makes my hands all chapped. I have to put de-icer on my windshield. It's not suppose to be cold like that here in Charleston. That's why I live here. I don't like the cold. If I wanted cold, I'd move up north somewhere. Anyways, the only time I enjoy the cold is if it's snowing. I must say, I do miss the snow. I can't remember the last time I made snow angels or a snowman. It's been a long time. I kind of miss it. Maybe someday I'll drive somewhere where they have snow and I'll get to play in it like when I was a child. Someday.... I remember my mom making snow cream. Wow, I haven't had that since I was 8. It snowed a lot one winter when we lived in Tennessee so we got to make snow cream. I can't even remember what it tasted like. Those were the days. I definitely get excited if it every flurries here.

Anyways, I bought 2 Christmas presents today. One for my grandma and one for Katie. I'm going to get Katie a Wii game, but she can't open that until after she and Wyatt get their Wii on Christmas so I got her a Hannah Montana tank top as her "present" she gets to open up from me when I'm there. I'll probably give Michelle the games for Wyatt and Katie to open on Christmas. Anyways, I'm looking forward to shopping next week. We'll see how it goes. I'm hoping I exercise lots of self control. I need to be very good about that especially since I'm starting to stress about money. More on that later. Anyways, got to run and pick up the girls from Child's Day Out.

Christmas Song of the Day: Let It Snow

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here

I must say, I LOVE Christmas. It's my favorite holiday. I would listen to Christmas music all year round if I could get away with it. I'm kind of disappointed that I don't get to put up a tree and decorate it again. I miss that. Carrie is borrowing my tree and decorations this year so that she can buy a tree after Christmas. I think we are going to put it up and decorate it at bible study after Thanksgiving. I guess I kind of get to decorate and put up a tree even though it's not at my house. I love Christmas shopping. Well, I love shopping too. It's become a tradition for me to drive back Thanksgiving night to get up at midnight to start shopping. Two years ago, Ellisa and I went. It was when they made it a tax free weekend and the outlets first opened. We got to the outlets at midnight and it was packed. I almost passed out in the line at Bass because I was so hungry (I didn't eat dinner cause I was in the car). We went from the outlets to Waffle House so I could get some food. Waffle House is definitely an interesting place at 2 am. We saw a druggie and a drunk. We waited for him to leave and thought about calling the cops but we didn't. Then we went to Wal-mart and looked at all the crazy people sitting in the store waiting for 5 or 6 or whenever they let you start getting the "deals". It was crazy. I know, you are probably thinking well, you are crazy too, but I'm not that crazy. I won't sit in a line for something that I might or might not get. I definitely do NOT stand in line at Best Buy. Those people are just NUTS! Anyways, we bought a couple of items there that we could get without paying taxes on. Then we went to the gas station and picked up a newspaper and then sat in the mall parking lot until it opened which was probably about 10 or 15 minutes. We shopped in the mall and then sat outside Target and watched all the crazies standing in line to get in there. Those people are NUTS as well. We ate our Chick-fil-a biscuits and then walked around the mall some more. We were done by 8. It was great. Last year I went with Michelle and we went to the outlets first, but then decided to go to IHOP (less crazies there and it was across the street) and eat. Then we went back to the outlets at 2 and they were deserted. It was nice. Then we hit the mall like last year. There are some crazy people out there. Then Michelle wanted to find guitar hero for her brother so off we go to Target. I do not understand why people get buggies and head straight for the electronics section. Do they not realize they will not get anywhere? LEAVE THE BUGGY BEHIND! You get to where your trying to go a lot quicker when it's just you. Anyways, we swam through the buggies but couldn't find guitar hero, but found the guitar so we picked that up. Right after we left the electronics section we found the guitar hero that Michelle was looking for. Anyways, we were done about 7:30. This year I'm going out with Ellisa again and maybe her friend Melissa. Should be interesting. It normally is. I'm sure I will have lots to tell about that day so it gives you (if anyone actually reads this) something to look forward to.

Christmas song of the day: Run Rudolph Run

Cling to the Cross

So one of my new favorite songs is "I Cling to the Cross" by Paul Baloche. Part of it has the hymn "I have decided to Follow Jesus". That part gives me chills. "The world behind me, the cross before me...no turning back, no turning back." I don't know why but it does. On another note, God definitely has been watching out for me. I'm constantly worrying about money and yet right now, I have more money than when I was working. I got my prescription filled for $8 and I got a new tire on my car for $8. I'm really excited about this bible study that Carrie and I are doing as well. I'm hoping that it helps to encourage me to continue to grow in my faith and to trust God through this hard time I'm going through right now.

Flat Tire

So yesterday as I was driving home from after Billy got to the house so I could leave, I noticed my car was making a weird noise. It was only while I was driving though. I didn't think to look at my car when I got home to grab my stuff to go to Carrie's. I'm driving along the interstate, talking to my friend Jody, when it starts to get really loud. THUMP, THUMP... I'm like what is going on. She's like maybe you have a flat tire. I'm thinking, no, I don't have a flat tire. I look in my mirror and I don't see anything. No sparks, nothing. I get off the interstate at the exit to go to Carrie's house. At this point, I'm in the GHETTO. I was like Jody, I'm going to stop at this church and look at my car. When I got to the church, there were people in the parking lot and I freaked so I kept driving. They, of course, were staring at the girl driving the car making the loud noise. I'm driving through this neighborhood and this lady is staring at me because my car is making this loud noise. I finally get to Carrie's house (her neighborhood is in Ghetto lite, as she likes to call it). I get out of the car and sure enough, I have a flat tire. What do I know about cars? Anyways, the next morning Carrie changed the tire for me. I, of course, took pictures. We found a nail in my tire when we (we in the figurative sense, cause I did nothing) took it off. I'm sure the people driving by thought we were nuts. I was wearing my red reindeer pajama pants and an orange tennessee t-shirt of Carrie's. Carrie was standing on the thing to loosen the lug nuts (I think that's what they are called) so that we could get them off. Anyways, we got it off and put the spare tire on. I must say I have a pretty wimpy spare tire. It looked like a bicycle tire. Then I went to Gerald's Tires. I must say, this is one of the nicest businesses I've ever gone to. They always greet you in such a nice manner and you usually get a rose on your car seat when you leave. I only had to pay $8 for a new tire because my previous tire was from there and it was covered under road hazard protection. I was like, YES! I was so worried the whole time I was there about money and God provides. Isn't it nice to know that he watches out for us?

Some things you knew and some you didn't

Well, I've been thinking and I've compiled a list of things about myself or that I want to do.

1. I freak out when people come up behind me. My whole right side of my body tenses up. It's really strange. In fact, if someone is standing too close, I get paranoid that they are going to try and come up behind me. Yah, I'm weird.

2. I love presents. I love to give them and I love to get them. I hate wrapping them.

3. I love making things.


5. I can probably count on my fingers the number of dates I've been on.


7. I'm a city girl, but I've always dreamed of living in the country.

8. I can read a book in a few hours.

9. I love to read. I can read the same book over and over again.

10. I probably own over 100 books.

11. I have some friends who call me Yodie.

12. In college, my sorority nickname was Wonder Woman.

13. I love to travel with family or friends.

14. I want to visit all 50 states.

15. I want to go to Europe.

16. I hate the cold. It should only be cold when it snows. Since it doesn't snow here, it shoudn't be cold.

17. I don't know if I've gone to the beach this summer.

18. I love going out on the boat with my friend's family.

19. I usually see a dolphin, but I can never get a picture.

20. When I see a yellow butterfly, I normally think of it as God's way of cheering me up. I use to see them in college a lot. There's a story behind that.

21. I have a problem with saying no.

22. I absolutely love Christmas.

23. I make my own Christmas cards every year.

24. This year I was in two weddings in back to back weekends. The bride always tells you, you will be able to wear that dress again, but you never do.

25. I recently lost my job and have been looking for another one. It's definitely not easy.

26. I have a fear of falling due to my cousing holding me over a waterfall when I was 5.

27. I went to Jamaica on a missions trip and I got a bad sunburn, almost fell down a waterfall, and hit on the head by a guitar.

28. I went to Peru on a missions trip and got sick, because someone pretended they were going to push me off a mountain.

29. I went to Brazil on a missions trip and saw a big spider.

30. I went to Las Vegas with my family for a week and we traveled to 4 different states.

31. I saw the Grand Canyon. (This did not help me overcome my fear of falling).

32. While riding rides at the fair, I tend to think of the worst case scenario. i.e. what happens if this chain on the swings breaks, will they stop the ride? Do I just hang on until the ride stops?

33. I worry. A LOT.

34. I tend to overanalyze things sometimes.

35. I'm not very patient, but God's trying to teach me patience.

36. Technically, I'm homeless. I have a place I live, but it's not really home because all my things are in storage.

37. I lived in Florida for a summer.

38. I've lived in all three counties in the tri-county area.

39. I've never ridden a horse. I've sat on one, but I got scared. (That was a long time ago).

40. I'm thinking if I want to find a cowboy, I might need to learn to ride a horse.

41. I love to sing, but not in front of people.

42. Sometimes I can get extremely hyper and then I get loud.

43. I'm usually quiet around people I don't know.

44. I'm definitely quiet around guys I don't know. I guess I get intimidated. Who knows.

45. You know I'm comfortable around you if I'm talkative.

46. I love to knit, although I haven't done it in awhile.

47. I love to scrapbook. I currently have 3 scrapbooks I'm working on.

48. I have two younger sisters. One is 14. The other one died at 6 months. She would be 19.

49. My sister that died is a hero. My parents donated her organs and at least 5 lives were saved.

50. I'm an organ donor.

I may add to this later, but that's it for now.

A few of my favorite things

Here are a few of my favorite things that my friends kids do:

1. Today, I loved it when Wyatt got off of the school bus and when he saw me, ran towards me and gave me a big hug. It makes me feel so special.

2. I love it when Kristopher in the morning comes up to me while I'm eating my breakfast and "begs". He'll sit in my lap and try and eat my breakfast. Too cute. Makes me laugh.

3. Katie, when I come over sometimes, usually asks, can I have a "lifesaver"? Too cute.

4. I loved it when Katie used to ask me, "Did you bring me something?" every time I came over.

5. I thought it was hilarious when Katie told me to move to Florida, then to Texas and finally the North Pole. She changed her mind quickly when I told her I would tell Santa she was being bad. She then decided she didn't want me to move at all.

6. Today, Wyatt asks me, "Yodie, are you in my family?" Too cute!

7. The other day, Katie asks, "Yodie, do you have a boyfriend?" Too which I reply no, then she says, "why not?" How do you answer that one?

8. I love that I can normally make Cheyenne smile. She is such a cute baby.

9. I love it that when I go to Kelly's house, Abi is always there to greet me with a hug.

10. I love Layni's cute little smile. She is such a cute little girl. Watch out boys! She will be a heartbreaker!

I'm looking forward to all the memories I'm going to make with all my friends kids. Since I'm not married and I don't have kids and it's not looking like I will any time soon, it helps take away the desire a little knowing that I can experience my friends kids and they love me like family. I'm also looking forward to Ellen having her baby. I can't wait to see her! She is the next one in line that I'm going to get to spoil (Hopefully I will get a job so I can spoil her). To end this, here are some pics for you to enjoy that I've found.

Katie

Abi

Layni

Wyatt

Job searching

I must say, searching for a job is for the birds. This is the absolute worst time to be looking for a job. I'm so frustrated. I keep applying and nothing happens. I started writing that this morning, then I got hungry and had to go pick up Nikki from her appointment so I couldn't finished. I just started crying while making my grilled cheese sandwich. I'm so tired of waiting. I just want a house, a family (well, I have a family, but you know what I mean), just to be settled somewhere. The thought keeps running through my head maybe I'm suppose to move, but then I think move where? I don't know where I would go. Part of me is like, go out west, maybe you will meet a guy out there. I don't think that's a good reason to move. I should move because that's what I feel like God is calling me to do. I don't feel like God is calling me to do anything at the moment. I think he's teaching me patience and trust right now. Two things that I need to learn, but I just can't seem to grasp yet. I'm looking forward to the day when I can move beyond this. I'm starting to worry about money. It's not like I don't have any, but still I worry. I freak out that all my stuff is going to go missing one day from the storage unit or they are going to lock it and I can't get to it. It's not like I've missed a payment or anything. I don't know where this paranoia is coming from, but it's going to drive me insane. Earlier today, when I was crying, I was like maybe I just need to pray more. I know I have gotten slack about praying. Sometimes, I just wonder what my purpose is. I think I say that a lot, but still. It's so confusing not knowing where you are going to be or how you are going to pay your bills in a couple of months. I don't even have a place that I can call home. I have a place where I sleep, but it doesn't have my things in it. It has someone else's. My things are in storage. I so want to read a book, but it's in a box in storage and I don't want to go searching for it. I already made a mess over there earlier looking for my Christmas DVDs. I hate not being able to find things. Anyways, on a more positive note, I've decided to start posting some of my favorite things about my friends kids. So look for that soon. I'm thinking I need to go do my bible study right now before I have to go get Wyatt off the bus. This study is probably just what I need. I'm doing Believing God by Beth Moore with my friend Carrie.

Some of my favorite photos

As you know, I love taking pictures. I bought a Nikon D40 back in May (when I had a job) as my birthday present to myself. I LOVE it! I will take pictures on anything. I have so many pictures of other people's kids it's unbelievable. Maybe someday I can take a photography class. Anyways, here are a few of my favorite pictures. Enjoy!

These 2 are from when I went to the Grand Canyon with my family a couple of years ago (before the nice camera). I love sunset and nature pictures. I'm not a big outdoorsy person, but I love looking at nature and just being amazed at God's creation.

This next photo is from when I was out on the boat with Jody's family. I love being on the water. I still haven't been able to get my dolphin picture yet. Maybe someday...

These 2 pictures I took when Krista had her bridal portraits. After her paid photographer was done, I took a bunch more pictures with my camera. We had lots of fun even though it was extremely hot! I think they turned out really nice.

Cowboy take me away...

So my friend Carrie turned me onto this blog, the Pioneer Woman. I must say, I LOVE it! I especially love reading about how she met her husband, who is a rancher. She was a city girl. I think a part of me wishes a cowboy would come along and sweep me off my feet and we could ride off into the sunset. Well, I think all of me wishes that. However, the realistic side of me tells myself that it would never happen, but the dreamer side of me tells me that it could. Deep down inside, I wish it would happen to. I such a romantic and a dreamer. Maybe it's because I have no life. Who really knows? I think apart of me has always wondered what it would be like to live on a ranch. Maybe it comes from my mom's side. She grew up on a cotton farm. I've really never been out west. My only experience with the west was Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the in between part in the car. I remember that it wasn't humid at all, which was nice. I really want to be able to see what a ranch is like. Maybe someday I'll be able to. Who knows what God has in store for me....

Disappointed

I can honestly say I'm extremely disappointed with the direction our country is headed. I voted for McCain. He wouldn't have been my first choice, but to choose between him and Obama, the choice was easy. I was not caught up in all the media hype for Obama. Honestly, the guy on MSNBC that said Obama sent a shiver up his leg, that was a little too much. I mean, come on. You can have your own personal opinion as a news reporter, but it shouldn't affect your reporting. You should be unbiased in your reporting and that definitely was not the case this election. I don't want to know what celebrities are endorsing what candidates. You shouldn't use your status to influence people to vote for who you like (Oprah). You should just encourage people to vote. Enough said. There are people out there dumb enough to vote for someone just because some celebrity they like told them to. How stupid is that? You should vote for someone who stands for what you believe in. Not because of what someone says or because they will make history. Come on. Give me a break. I'm all for having an african-american (technically, he's just an american, because he was not born in africa, but whatever) president. I'm not for having a radical, socialist as a president who has little experience. I guess we'll see where he will lead us. I'm thinking a lot of the things he promised, will either not be fulfilled or will lead our country down a slippery slope. I don't believe in the spread the wealth concept and I'm the one without a job. If you take from the rich, then that will just trickle down and they will cut costs at their business in order to make ends meet especially since times are tight right now. This will cost more people their jobs, which I don't think anyone wants. It saddens me to know, that more babies will probably end up dying because Obama is president. He is pro-abortion. I also don't get how people who are for animals being treated right can be against babies being treated right. It's ok to kill a baby, but it's not ok to kill an animal. Anyways, we'll see where the country will be in four years and I'm looking forward to voting against Obama then. In the meantime, I will be praying for our troops who will probably have tough days ahead as Obama cuts the military budget. I will also be praying that we don't have any more terrorist attacks on US soil.

Does anybody read this?

Sometimes I feel like I am typing this and only I am reading it. I don't know if anyone else reads this blog. Anyways, this past week I got a call from the church about helping a family out. The mom is in the hospital and she will be there for awhile. The dad needs someone to watch their two girls (2 months and 18 months) during the day while he is at work (he's a teacher). They have a son, also that's in kindergarten, but they didn't need someone to watch him. I knew this family and since I'm currently unemployed decided I would help out. What a crazy first day that was! I know understand why moms enjoy every second when their babies are asleep. You constantly have to watch Morgan (18 month old). She gets into everything! It's definitely tiring and it's the hardest I've worked in a long time. I'm just glad that I can help them out while their mom is in the hospital. Anyways, I'm still looking for a job so we'll see if I can eventually find one or not.

New Outlook

Since my other post, which was only like an hour ago, I've come to the point where some changes need to be made. God needs to be a priority in my life. I used to get up everyday and so my devotions first thing in the morning, then I changed to the evenings. I'm going to try and start each day with time with God. I am also going to try and get better at praying. I use to have cards and I would pray for different things each day. I need to do that again. Pray is a strong thing. I need to keep praying and not get disouraged. Here are some of my favorite songs:

"Sweetly Broken" -Jeremy Riddle
"My Glorious" -Chris Tomlin
"Mighty to Save" -Hillsong
"Come Thou Fount" -Passion Worship Band
"Your Grace is Enough" -Chris Tomlin

Confusion

So I was reading this book and when I finished it, I just had a breakdown. I'm still in the middle of my breakdown I guess. I just started crying. I'm so discouraged with my life right now. I have no job, no house, and I'm not anywhere where I thought I would be. Sometimes I feel so alone. At church today, the sermon was about how we crave intimacy with God. I just feel like God's not there even though in my head I know he is, my heart just feels like he has deserted me. Maybe I need to spend more time in prayer or reading my bible, I don't know. I just feel like I have all these questions with no answers. I don't know what to do. I don't know where I'm suppose to be. I don't what I'm going to do. I don't know where my life is headed. I hate the uncertainty of not knowing anything. I like to have a plan. I find myself constantly thinking of how things might happen in the future. I just don't know what is going to happen to me. Maybe I just like having a routine. Who knows? I just wish God would clue me on something. It's like he's trying to teach me a lesson in waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...and patience. I know I need to learn patience, but I've just reached the point where I'm sick of it. I'm tired of waiting. When will something happen? I just want to settle down a nice job, a nice house, maybe a dog and a family. Is that too much to ask? I guess I just need to trust God. He's given me a peace about the job, but sometimes I don't take that as enough. I just get tired of waiting. Tired of not being able to do things, because I'm trying not to spend money. Tired of not being able to help pay for things. Money truely is the root of all evil. I'm coming to realize that.

Another day...

So I went to the unemployment office on monday, it wasn't too bad. I was there for two hours, but I got it done. Then I went by CSU to see Mr. Little who told me I should go see Mr. Parker and introduce myself to him, so he would know who I was since I applied for a job working for him. I don't know if I'll get it or not. I'm leaning more towards the probably not. Then I went and dropped of my application for a job I saw at the city of Goose Creek. Who knows what will happen with that one. This is sad. I'm drawing a blank with what happened on tuesday. Yesterday I worked at Child's Day Out at the church. It wasn't bad. Then I went to storage to get some things and put some things up. Then church that night. Yesterday went by pretty quick. Today I cleaned my bathroom and Andy and Ellisa's bathroom. I also cleaned some of the marks off the wall until my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser fell apart. Now I've got to take a shower, then head to the library to get a library card. I need some books to read.

A La De Da Week

So this week was pretty boring. I really wish I could find a job. On monday, I just drove back to Charleston from Greenville so that day was pretty uneventful. Tuesday, I went to the chiropracter and got adjusted then went by CSU to talk to Brigitte and ask Jim a question about the transfer enrollment counselor job. Anyways, turns out that they've pretty much decided on the transfer enrollment counselor position, which I should have applied for because it wasn't a terrible amount of travel. Jim told me they have another enrollment counselor position opening, but it involves a TON of travel, and I'm not really up for that. I was going to go see Mr. Little when I was finished up there, but when I was driving by the building, there was a news crew set up, so I really didn't want to be on tv. I was going to go by Berenyi after lunch, but it was only 11:30. I talked myself into going to Lifeway and getting these 2 books that I really wanted with the birthday money my mom had given me from my grandmother. Then I went to ABC and ate lunch and started reading one of my books. It's a little weird eating lunch by yourself, but it wasn't too bad since I had a book to read. I went by Berenyi to talk to everyone. It was good to see Lori, Sandie, Tammie, Kathy and Susan. Sandie invited me to a BBQ at her house that's tonight, so I might go to that. She also told me that her daughter got saved at the Franklin Graham Festival. Way to go Emma! Anyways, after I left there, I came home to apply for a different job at CSU. I was in the middle of filling out that application when Tammy walked in and surprised Ellisa. She was just here for the day. Then I had to leave to go to piano. Piano isn't too bad. Jacob just seems to get it and he just really understands everything with ease. Whereas his sister, Gracey, has a really difficult time. She gets discouraged super easy and doesn't practice as much as she should which really doesn't help. Her mom mentioned stopping with her at the end of the month. I told her ok, but later, when I was thinking about it, I really think she should at least finish the first book. That way she is familiar with the basics and when she gets older she will be able to at least pick out the basic notes. After piano, I came back here where a ton of people were to eat dinner with Tammie. Basically, that sums up my tuesday. I would say that was my busiest day of the week.

Wednesday wasn't very eventful. I played rock band with Leah in the afternoon and then went to church to help with Cubbies. Next week I'm helping with Katie's class again, so it should be fun. On thursday, I went to the church to help with the Children's Extravaganza. I sorted clothes and it was pretty fun. I saw a lot of really cute outfits. Then I went to Michelle's and pretty much hung out with her and the kids the rest of the day. Friday, I went to the church again to finish helping with whatever they needed me to do. I bought four outfits, 2 for Sandie and 2 for Ellen. I figured if I don't find a job soon, at least I have something to give them. Then I came home and pretty much spent the rest of the day here by myself. I didn't really do much. I was going to design somethings for Krista's scrapbook, but I got really sleepy. Anyways, I about killed Charlie because he decided to tear a hole in Bella's old bed and rip all the stuffing out. I immediately started yelling at him and he knew he was in trouble. He kept running from me and all I was trying to do was get him to look at what he had done and say no and then put him outside. Anyways, he ran into his cage at one point and I had a hard time getting him to come out of that room. Just like a child. He got put outside for the rest of the day. He didn't get dinner and went straight to the cage and stayed there until this morning. Maybe I'm mean, but I'm just tired of him always making a mess. Right now, he's outside. It looks like it might rain, but I'm just going to let him stay outside so at least he can run around. Bella was outside but she is inside right now. She is such a better behaved dog than Charlie. Anyways, I think I'm going to go to Sandie's in a little while. I still haven't decided about going to Mary's shower. I don't have a present or anything. I also got invited to go out for Ellen's b'day, but I really am trying to watch how I spend my money so I passed on that, but told them to call me if they did something later. Anyways, I'm going to look some more for a job. Pray for me that I'll find one soon. My goal next week is to go to the unemployment office.

Done with Weddings!

So I finished the weddings that I have to be in. I'm so glad they are all over. I still have one left to go to this year, but I'm not in it, so that is great for me. Anyways, below are some of my favoite pictures from Gina' s wedding. I was so sick for Krista's.

Politics

So I was flipping through the channels a few moments ago and I there was a program called Barack Obama's Plan for America. I look closer at the channel and it says Obama. What in the world? Obama can pay for a tv station to promote his propoganda, but can't fix the problems with the economy. How about you spend the money of people that probably can't afford to give you money but do it anyways, because they are blinded by who you really are, on something more important. For real! I was totally floored by it. I thought, this is ridiculous. Obama tv? What's next? Manson tv? Give me a break. I do not want to watch Obama read a teleprompter. Anyways, maybe I'm being a little extreme, but the more I hear about Obama, the more I can't stand the guy. I'm sure he is a really nice guy, but just because you are a nice guy does not mean you are a good leader. What has he accomplished? Who does he associate with? That's what I look at. The people you surround yourself with say a lot about who you really are. That being said, I think if Obama becomes president, I might move to England or some other sane country, because if he is elected, it's because everyone here is insane.

La de da....

So it's been two weeks since I lost my job. I applied for two jobs at one place but haven't heard anything back. Then I got busy with doing stuff for Krista's wedding and helping Michelle with her kids that I haven't had time. Anyways, today I have got to get with the program and get on it. Today I'm going to register to vote or change my voter registration really since I'm registered but in another county. Anyways, that's what I've got to do.

Job

Well, I lost my job on monday. I kind of figured it was coming, but you still don't want it to happen. Anyways, so now I have to look for a new job. I hate this part. I hate looking and interviewing and all that. I know I need to trust God. So please pray for me in my search and that I will make the right decision.

Hmmm...

So lately I've just been feeling a little down. I really have no idea where my life is headed. I guess being around all these people getting married and going to all these shower, just shows me how I'm not anywhere where I thought I would be. Part of me just wishes I could fast forward a few years to get them all over with, but I have a feeling the cycle will never end. Weddings, babies, weddings, babies....that's how it goes. I'm not happy with my job. I feel it has no purpose or meaning. I don't know what I'm suppose to do anymore. I want a job that I don't dread going to everyday. I just wish God would tell me what to do, but it's like he's not speaking to me or I can't hear him or maybe I'm just missing the answer because it's not something that I want to hear. I can't understand why he would want me to be stuck in a job where I don't do anything. Shouldn't my job have a purpose? The thought of not having a family (I have a family, but I mean a husband a kids) just depresses me. I watch all my friends and I see their happiness (and their struggles). I want to know what it's like to have a baby. I'm sure it's not easy, but it's one of those experiences in life that I really want to experience. I know I have a lot of my life ahead of me. I'm only 26. Over half my life has been spent in school. How are you suppose to meet anyone when all the guys are married or not a Christian? The few that are Christians, there just seems to be a personality clash there. I don't know. I'm tired of waiting, waiting for something that might never come and the thought of that just makes me want to cry. I just don't know what to do anymore or what God's plan for my life is...

David's Bridal Part 2

So I went to David's Bridal and they just told me to pick out another dress and they would exchange. It was very easy. I was so glad that I didn't have to battle with them about it. I really like the dress that I got. This is the link to the dress that I got: http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_bycolor_detail.jsp?stid=3321&sid=18607&cfid=10.

David's Bridal

So, I'm going to David's Bridal today to try and return this bridesmaid dress that I bought but I no longer need since there isn't going to be a wedding. I called and they said that I could exchange it for something different. Online it says you can't exchange so we'll see. If they don't take it back, I'm tempted to cause a major ruckus. I'm already mad about what happened and I'm stuck with this dress that is nice and all, but I won't ever wear again. What ever happened to customer service? I guess they just want your money and if something happens and you need to return it, their policy is SUCKER, we got your money! If I ever get married, I think I'm going to find a dress from a department store that is nice for my bridesmaids to wear. At least they can take it back if something happens and it probably won't be as expensive either. So we'll see how this goes this afternoon. I'm still irritated about the whole thing.

Politics

For those people that know me, they know I've been pretty active in keeping up with what is going on with the election this year. Most know that I can't stand Barack Obama. While he's nice looking and may be a nice person, I feel like he has little experience, can't speak without using um (a good speaker would be able to do this as I learned this in my college public speaking class), and doesn't stand for anything that I agree with. Anyways, my point is this: I don't care what the famous people think. I wish they would keep their opinions to themselves. They can support whatever candidate they want to. However, I don't think they should try and seek out the media about it. For example, if you go to a concert, you aren't going to hear that person's political views, you are going to hear them sing. If you wanted to know what their views were, then you would go to a political event where they were speaking. I hate it that they feel they should try and influence people by talking trash about the current administration or the party that they are not for. I don't pay money to hear your opinion. I pay money to hear you do your job. So just do it! On another note, I hate it when americans go overseas and bash their own country. I don't care if you like our country or not, but you just make us seem weak because we do not present a united front to other countries. I hate it when people from other countries seem to think they know what's best for MY country. This is MY country. Go back to your own if you don't like the way we do things here. I don't care if you like us or not. Keep your opinion to yourself while you are here. I do not want to hear it. You just make me like the person you are talking against more!