Day 18

Today I'm supposed to post a picture of my biggest vice. So I looked up the definition of vice. I already had an idea what I wanted to post as mine. A vice is something that is supposed to be sinful, a little immoral. Out of all the things in my life that could be considered a vice. This is it......

I have a love for music, you all know that by now. The only thing I can think of as a vice would be my love of rap music. Eminem in particular. I enjoy his music. I know, I know, some of you are sitting there right now wondering what in the world I see in his music. Well, I'm not sure. I have always enjoyed his music. It's catchy. And his raps have told a story from the beginning. I've listened to him rap about his struggles with drug use, marital issues, and so much more. This last album was about his recovery. His attempt at finally getting himself together. He's gone through recovery, lost a close friend, and made a come back as a rap artist. I think he is finally getting his life together. Maybe the story line is what draws me in. I'm not sure....but this is it. The one thing in my life that is a vice. Don't judge....we all have a vice. Some worse than others.

Day 17

Day 17. A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

There a tons of things I could post on this one. The one thing that came to mind is......

My baby. I am expecting him to arrive sometime in April. I'm excited, nervous, and sometimes completely terrified. I can't wait to see what he's going to look like, me or my husband. Will he be tall, loud, shy, good athlete? Will I do a good job as his mother? Will I be able to teach him how to be tough and stand up for what's right? Will I be able to instill good values? Am I really ready? This child doesn't even know how loved he already is. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, my life changed. I know that in April when he gets here, my whole world will change. I'm looking forward to being a parent. I'm excited to see his cute little face. I can't wait to have him here. I just can't wait. So  today I'm blogging about my unborn baby. He is what has made the biggest impact on my life recently. The last 28 weeks have been a roller coaster ride. I'm looking forward to the time I have left in this pregnancy. I'm looking forward to meeting this little guy who has stolen my heart.

Day 16

So I guess you probably all noticed that the challenge has been on hold for the last few days. My week has been a very hectic one. My BFF's grandpa passed away Sunday and I've spend a lot of my time trying to be there for her. Plus I have had a week full of doctor appointments. Good news is, I finally passed my glucose test!!! Then Wednesday Daddy had another heart surgery. They went in and repaired the stint that they put in when he had his heart attack. He got a great report from the doctor and is home recovering! So that brings me to today......I will resume my daily photo challenge now. Today I'm supposed to post a picture of someone who inspires me. I've thought and thought about this one. I could easliy put my brother, mom, or BFF on here. I am going to choose someone famous though. I've blogged about them before.

Duncan, Dave, Johnny, & Ben from MTV's The Buried Life

So today I'm going to once again blog about The Buried Life guys. I have watched this show since it started on MTV. Now I don't watch much on MTV because I think it's mostly crap now days. But this show, it touches my heart every single time I watch it. These guys are all in thier early 20's and they have this amazing mission in life. They have a list of things they want to do before they die. And for each thing they cross off of thier list, they help a stranger cross something off thier list. The show is amazing. They want to help people. And not just people they know. They want to help people they don't know. Perfect strangers. How many of us would help a perfect stranger? I know that now days it can kinda be dangerous to help strangers. But these boys reach out to people they don't know. They help them in so many ways. It's amazing. So once again, I'm going to once again tell you that if you haven't seen this show, you are missing out on something amazing and inspiring. I have never been more inspired as I am by this show. It makes me look at my own life and the things I could be doing to make a difference. I'm truly inspired by their desire to do good. In our world, you don't see that often.

Happy Birthday!

So today is my best friend, Shawna's, birthday. I wanted to take a few minutes and just wish her the greatest birthday. So Shawna, here's to you.

Shawna is one of the greatest people I know. She's always around when I need a shoulder to cry on or when I need to just scream and yell. She's just amazing. I've had many friends in my life and none of them have ever come close to the friendship I found when I found her. She's amazing and such a sweet person. She makes me laugh when I don't want to. She knows how to keep me grounded. She is just the greatest friend I've ever had. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have her. I know I finally found that one friend who will always be there. Someone who won't judge me when I seem to be losing my mind. Someone who accepts me for me, faults and all. I'm thankful to have her in my life.

Aside from being the greatest friend I've ever had, she is also the most amazing mother. She has the most adorable little boys. Alex & Logan are so funny. They are sweet and loving and just amazing. They adore her. She teaches them all kinds of great things. She reads to them, helps them with all their homework. Takes them to do fun things. She always puts them ahead of herself. Alex has a lot of speech and sensory issues. Shawna takes him to all of his apointments & therapies. She never complains. She just does whatever Alex needs. She works with him constantly to help him improve his motor skills & speech. She goes above and beyond to do what her children need her to do. She's just an awesome Mom. Those boys are very lucky to have her.

Shawna has been the greatest blessing in my life. She inspires me to be the kind of mom she is. The patient, fun loving, all sacrificing mom. She has helped to make me realize that it's okay for me to be myself. She encourages me and helps me. She's just such a great person. So today my blog is dedicated to the amazing woman I'm fortunate enough to call my best friend. So, Shawna, happy birthday. I hope that this birthday is at least half as great as you are, because if it is, it's going to be a great birthday. I love you very much.

Day 14

Today I'm reminded of my favorite show.....The Buried Life....it comes on MTV and it is the greatest show ever. Today I'm supposed to post a picture of something I want to do before I die. There are so many different things I want to do before I die. Ride in a limo, see the Eiffel Tower, go to NYC and visit "Ground Zero" and one of the NY Fire Houses.....my list could go on for a while. The one thing I can think of is....

I want to learn sign language. I've always been fascinated by it. I remember when I was younger, my Mammaw taught me the alphabet in sign language. At one point for some vacation Bible school or something, I had to memorize the Lord's Prayer. I also learned the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't remember it now, but it was so mesmerizing to me.

I also attended a church in my hometown. It was a bigger church and they had some hearing impaired people that attended. So they had a few ladies that would stand and sign the entire service. I can remember getting lost watching them sign.

We also had a friend that would hang out with all of us. She attended public school and learned with other kids that weren't hearing impaired. She made up names for all of us. I can still remember the sign she used for my brother. I learned that when you are hearing impaired, you come up with a sign for a name instead of spelling it out each time you "say" it. I thought that was the neatest thing. I always enjoyed just watching her sign. It's so frustrating to me to see her now and I can't understand her. She can read lips and understand me but I can't "hear" her and that makes me crazy! So I would like to learn to sign. To me it's crazy that we aren't taught how to sign from a very early age. I mean now a days people are teaching their children how to speak Spanish. Why can't we teach them to sign?

So I would like to learn how to sign. I think it would be an amazing adventure for me. And I think it would come in handy next time I see my friend! I may not be able to sign as fast and as good as she does but I could communicate a whole lot better!

Day 14

Day 14. A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

I've had a very hard time doing this one. There are several people in my life I can't imagine my life without. I have a lot of people in my life that are amazing. It's not going to be easy to pick just one person. I guess if I have to choose.....

This is my favorite picture of my BFF, Shawna.

I think she's the most beautiful girl.

I have to pick my best friend, Shawna. Now I could have picked my husband or my family, but honestly, those are just a given. My best friend and I have known eachother for a very long time. We went to high school together and even attended the same church back then. I was good friends with her brother and that's how I knew her back then. We  found eachother again about 3 or 4 years ago and discovered we had so much in common. I'm not sure why we spent so many years NOT knowing eachother. But I'm thankful that we have gotten to be so close. For those of you that know me well, you know that I'm not an easy person to get close to. I've been hurt a lot in my life and so I put up walls to keep people out. My best friend has somehow broken through those walls and really gotten to know me. She never judges me for being the way I am. She likes that I'm brutally honest. You usually don't find people that think that brutal honesty is a good quality, but she does. She has been there for me through a lot of ups and downs. She's always around when I need a laugh, to let me be random, or to make my day by letting me talk to her precious little boys. I truly consider her the sister I never had. I couldn't imagine my world without her in it. She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. And Shawna, I didn't copy you! I already had my picture and everything downloaded when I read your blog entry this morning! I hope you know just how much you really mean to me. You get me. You keep me sane when no one else cares if I lose it. You are an amazing friend and I hope that when my baby gets here, you guys will have the great relationship I have with your boys. I love you!

Day 13

So for the second blog of the day.....
I'm supposed to post a picture of my favorite band/artist.....this is a very difficult challenge for me. I love music more than a normal person should. I listen to just about everything from pop, rock, rap, and even country. I can't really pick a favorite because, well, I listen to too many different kinds of music and it would take me too long to narrow it down. I just can't pick one favorite. I will however post a picture of one that I listen to often.

Chris Daughtry from the band Daughtry

So I'm picking Daughtry because his music is the kind I can't turn away from. His lyrics are the kind that tell a story, and if you know me at all, you know that is why I love music to begin with. I listen to music that tells a story. I feel like there has never been a situation that I couldn't find a song to fit. It's how I express how I feel. So I'm just going to post my current favorite song of Daughtry's and tell you that I could never pick a favorite artist. I have too many favorites. I know it sounds silly but as my best friend once told me, "music is like oxygen" or at least it is to me. I can't function without it.

Tennessee Line lyrics

Songwriters: Craddock, Brian; Daughtry, Chris;

I open my lungs to breathe in forgiveness and love

Haunting me now reminders of how I used to be

And on down the road my troubles are sure to follow

Looking out the window, the hell if I know where I will go

So I'll just keep on driving

On my way to L.A. looking into the rear view as the roads fade away

I've sworn off my past, first to last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right every wrong turn that I've learned

So this can all end tonight, Tennessee line just changed my mind

Well, it's my heart I'll follow this time

Who would've known that pride is so hard to swallow?

As I rest on the shoulder of a road growing colder

With the trouble I own, should I just keep on driving?

On my way to L.A. looking into the rear view as the roads fade away

I've sworn off my past, first to last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right every wrong turn that I've learned

So this can all end tonight, Tennessee line just changed my mind
Well, it's my heart I'll follow this time

I know I must be doing something right

Head the other way, back to where I started out

Ask myself if I can turn it all around tonight

And stop living with doubt

On my way to L.A. looking into the rear view as the roads fade away

I've sworn off my past, first to last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right every wrong turn that I've learned

So this can all end tonight, Tennessee line just changed my mind

Well, it's my heart I'll follow this time

I've sworn off my past, first to last bad call that I ever made

It's my heart I'll follow this time

I've sworn off my past, first to last bad call that I ever made

I'm gonna turn it all around tonight, turn it all around tonight

Turn it all around tonight

I'm gonna turn it all around tonight at the Tennessee line

A great 27 years....

Today I'm going to be posting 2 blog entries. One for the challenge and this one because today is my baby brother's birthday. He turns 27 today. I can still remember when we brought him home! I remember when the doctor brought him out to meet me. Oh what a day. We were inseparable from then on. We always had such a blast together. He was (and still is) my best friend, greatest ally, biggest fan, and greatest inspiration. My brother is such an amazing kid. He's grown up so much and I feel like I've gotten to be a big part of the way he turned out. He's a great kid. Works at a church in Illinois, doing what God has called him to do. He's always been such an amazing kid. So today I would just like to say that I love him. He makes this big sister very proud.

One of my favorite pics of my brother.

When he was brand new!

My senior year, his freshman year.

At Bubba's wedding.

We always take silly pictures together!

Day 12

Today I'm supposed to post a picture of something I love. I know exactly what I want to post about today. So here's a picture of something that I love.

This is my sweet husband, Seth. I met him 8 years ago at a basketball game. I knew the minute I saw him that there was something special about him. He was beautiful and he had me mesmorized from the start. I remember begging my best friend to introduce me. Unfortunately he said no, that if I wanted to meet Seth I'd have to figure it out on my own. So I did. My best friends room mate was also friends with Seth. So he made a deal with me. He introduced us a few days later. Seth and I have been together ever since. He's a very hard person to get to know but somehow I wormed my way in.

I can remember the day we met like it was yesterday. I can also remember our very first date. He new what my favorite resturant was so he arranged for us to go to OKC and eat dinner one night. He took me to TGI Fridays. We had a blast. He was very thoughtful. He'd die if anyone knew he took the time to do something so sweet. He's very much a "tough guy" and so when he does sweet things like this it's very special because it doesn't happen often.

I also remember our first Christmas together. I have always had a slight obsession with my birthstone. I was born in June and my true birthstone is very hard to find and when you do find it, it's typically very expensive. My birthstone is Alexandrite. Well, Seth and I had talked about my obsession with my birthstone several times. That first Christmas, he bought me a necklace with a heart shaped Alexandrite stone. He remembered how much I wanted to own my birthstone. It is beautiful. It's something I treasure.

He is always so great. He does things to surprise me every once in a while. He works hard so that I can stay at home and not have to work. We are having a baby sometime around April. He's worked really hard on a baby room. Painting, texturing, putting in new trim.....all kinds of stuff that I know isn't easy. He's such a great guy. I know that there is nothing he wouldn't do for me. He's been there for me through so many things. He was there when my Pawpaw Bazil passed away. He was there last year during one of the roughest years I've had in a very long time. I lost a lot of people I was really close to in a very short time. Probably about 6 people in a matter of 3 or 4 months. It was a very hard time for me. Seth was always there to make me laugh. I remember when I was driving us to my Pawpaw's funeral in Mineral Wells. The closer I got to Mineral Wells the harder the drive got for me. I remember him turning on the radio and looking through his cds. He found a cd and put it in. I was trying to keep it together and not be upset. I wasn't succeeding. The next thing I know I hear The Judds' "Momma He's Crazy"......I know it sounds cheesy. But that song always makes me smile. I remember when we first started dating I came into his house one day and he was singing that song at the top of his lungs. I laughed and it became "our song"....so when that song started playing that day, it kinda took away some of the pressure I was feeling. It helped me relax. He always knows exactly what to do to make me smile and get me to relax. He's a pretty amazing man. I've been very fortunate to have him in my life. He's just so sweet and so kind. He doesn't let everyone see this amazing side of him. I'm glad I get to.

I love this man more than words could ever truly express. He's pretty amazing. I don't know what my life would be like with out Seth in it but I do know it's not something I want to ever experience. So today my blog is dedicated to my wonderful husband. He would probablly be mad if he knew he was the center of this blog. He hates his picture to be "online". I do hope he knows just how loved and appreciated he is.

And just for your enjoyment and because I think we're pretty cute, I'm going to post a few extra pictures that I have of us.

In Vegas at the Bellagio Fountains

Our 2 year Anniversary Pics

At Seth's best friends wedding

Our wedding. This picture always makes me laugh. It looks like his face is in my boobs because I'm such a shorty! We were both laughing histerically when this was taken!

Day 11

Today I'm supposed to post a picture of something I hate. I figure everyone has things they dislike....I can name a few off the top of my head. The color Yellow (serioulsy I own NOTHING yellow I hate it that much), snakes, spiders, cigarettes.....I could name more but today I was reminded of something else I absolutely hate.

Fried Okra

I know, I know....you are all shocked! I remember eating this when I was little and somewhere along the way I discovered I hated it. My husband LOVES okra. I just can't do it. He would eat it with probably every single mean but I can't even stand the smell of it. I hate making it and usually only make it when I think Seth has had a rough day or when I've done soomething I might "get in trouble" for doing! It's the one thing I use to suck up to my awesome husband with! I hate the smell and the taste....I just hate okra. Today we went to KFC to eat lunch and Seth had okra with his food, he asked me why I wasn't eating any and I had to remind him just how gross I think it is. So even though it's a weird thing to hate, it's what I hate.

Day 10

So today's challenge is to post a picture of the person you've done the craziest things with. Now I could post pictures of my brother, everyone knows he's a nut and we've always had a great time together. I could also post pictures of my husband, my mini's, or my best friend. I've decide to post a picture of someone that isn't really part of my life now. Things happened and I know that things may never be the same with this person but, I have great memories with him. I will always treasure those memories no matter what our status is as friends.

Me & Ben---I know I'm the pretty one.....right, Ben? (Inside joke...I'm not being an ass!)

So the person I've chosen for this is Ben. He's my mom's best friend and he's been part of our lives for a very long time. He and I have done lots of crazy things together. He took me to my first ever Bray Doyle football game. Now if you don't live here you won't understand this one. Bray played 8 man football when I was in school. Coming from a school that was MUCH bigger this was something new. As we sat to watch the game, slowly people with insturments started trickling down the hill from the school. After about 10 people, no more were coming, and I asked where the rest of the band was. Ben started laughing and then got very serious. "That's it, we didn't even have a band until a few years ago." So that was hilarious to me. I came from a school where we had like 100 people in our band. We had a huge stadium that was full every Friday night. This school threw me off. A 10 person band and 8 man football was so new and so funny to me. That was just the beginning.

I remember going to the movies with Ben, his brother Jason, and Jason's (now ex) wife, Cammi. I remember Ben almost spewing his drink all over the place when Cammi lost her temper on some kids a row ahead of us. They were talking and on the phone and just being obnoxious. Cammi took care of it in her not so subtle way. I was dying and Ben was having a hard time keeping down his liquids!

Then there's the time that the people across the street from my parents moved. They left a recliner in the yard for the trash to pick up. Mom saw it and decided that she wanted to see if it was worth keeping. So we went outside and Ben snuck across the road to steal it. A car started coming about the time he was half way across the road. He started running with this recliner and screaming like a little girl! I have never laughed so hard. The funniest part is when Mom made him take it back! I really thought we were all going to wet our pants from laughing so hard!

We always had a great time when we were together. He was always fun to be around. It was a rule in our house that you never wanted to sit across from him in a resturant because if he got tickled he would spew. He was a lot of fun. There are days when I really miss that friendship. I know that the things that are going on right now are beyond my control. I don't know where things will go from this point but I do know he's the person I've done the craziest things with. He helped me to discover who I was. He was a great friend and never forgot the "Twins'" birthday. Maybe someday things will work out to where we can be friends again, for now, things just kinda are the way they are. I don't try to understand why things are the way they are anymore. It's wasted energy. He's someone I really enjoyed being around and someone that I've done tons of crazy things with. I hope that he knows that no matter what happens from this point, these wonderful, crazy, fun memories are very near to my heart. And they always will be.

Day 9

Day 9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

I have a lot of great people in my life. There are a lot of people that have been there for me for various things and struggles. My husband, family, and friends. I have such wonderful people in my life that make it so much better.

I think the person that is always there no matter what has always been my Mom. She's been there through heart breaks, eating disorders, and all the crappy things that come with being a girl. She's also been there through all the wonderful moments too. First kisses, crushes, finding my "forever" and getting married to my best friend, and now being there while I experience bringing my own little one into the world. She inspires me to be the best person, wife and mom I can be. She's always there to help me carry the load when things get rough and she's always there to enjoy the good times. Her love is a constant. Her support is amazing. She's just the most wonderful Mom. I love her very much. I could sum up everything in a song. So Mom, I know you will read this......

 You Can't Lose Me

A little girl, a little small for her age
A little too slow for the field day race
Momma's waiting at the finish line
And wipes the teardrops from her eyes
She says, "You did just fine honey, that's okay
"Sometimes life's just that way
"You're gonna lose the race from time to time
"But you're always gonna find

"You can't lose me
"Bet your life
"I am here and I will always be
"Just a wish away
"Wherever you go
"No matter how far
"My love is where you are
"You won't be lost if you believe
"You can't lose me"

Momma use to say "Girl it won't be long
'"Til it's time to go out on your own
"Chase your dreams find your place in life
"I know you'll do just fine"
When that day finally came
There were things she needed to but could not say
So I whispered softly as I wiped
The tears from Momma's eyes

"You can't lose me
"Bet your life
"I am here and I will always be
"Just a wish away
"Wherever I go
"No matter how far
"My love is where you are
"You won't be lost if you believe
"You can't lose me"

Day 8

Day 8. A picture that makes you laugh

So today it's a picture that always makes me smile. I know I've posted a blog already about this person, but this is my all time favorite picture.

It's my brother & me before my junior prom. He's always been this amazing presence in my life. He's a funny kid and this picture just shows his personality. He's always been there to make me laugh when I've needed it the most. This picture is one that I keep close to my heart. When I need a laugh, well, this is one of the first pictures I look for.

Day 7

I am supposed to post a picture of my most treasured item today. This was an easy one for me. I'm sure there are tons of things I could come up with for this one. But today I am going to post the one thing that I have that means the absolute most to me.

So this necklace was given to me by my Uncle Joe when I turned 15. It's something that has been passed down from generation to generation for a very long time. I don't remember who had it before my Uncle Joe but I know it's been in my family for a very long time. When I turned 15 my Uncle Joe took it off and gave it to me. Now he could have given it to my brother or to one of my cousins. But he chose to give it to me. He told me that it was very special to him and that he wouldn't want anyone else to have it. I don't wear it very often. Usually I wear it when I need strength. I know that may seem silly but when I wear this necklace, I always feel like he's with me. It keeps me calm and helps me to get through very rough days/events that happen in life. I know someday I will pass this on. I will probably give it to my son. I hope he realizes just how important this golden nugget is.

My Uncle Joe is a very hard person to get to know. He doesn't warm up to people easily but somehow I have his heart. I know that there's not a thing in the world he wouldn't do for me. He's a very important person in my life. I love him very much. I can't wait for my child to get to meet him. I know that he's a little rougher with boys, but I also know, he will do for my child the same things he always did for me. He will be there to teach him things that I can't. Hunting, fishing, all kinds of things. I know that most people who know him don't believe me when I say this, but he's the sweetest man. He is very loving and very sweet. Seeing that side of him is rare for most people. But I am fortunate enough to get to see that side often. He isn't a hugger, but everytime I am around him, I get a hug and a kiss and an "I love you".....that's just not something everyone gets. I treasure the time I have with him. And this necklace has and always will be the most treasured item I own.

This is me & Uncle Joe when I was a baby.

Me & Uncle Joe at my brother's wedding. I think he's pretty handsome!

Day 6

Day 6. A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.


Well, this one is a hard one for me. I mean, I like my life. I love how my life has turned out. It's exciting and fun and I have a man in my life I couldn't imagine my world without. But if I had to choose.....

I would be Alex. He's my best friends 6 year old. He's an amazing kid with lots of personality! Alex has a lot of speech issues and sensory issues. I know he works hard day in and day out to learn the little things that we all take for granted and he still has this amazing personality. He's sweet and funny and so very loving. So I would want to be Alex and live one day in his life. Have fun seeing the world from his unique perspective. He's a special kid, he has a big place in my heart and I love him very much. I know that his life isn't always easy and I'm so amazed at how wonderful his disposition is. He has such a great attitude and is such a determined little guy. Getting to live one day in his life would be rewarding on so many levels. He's an amazing kid and I love him very much.

Day 5

Today the challenge is to post a picture of your favorite memory. At first I thought this was going to be a pretty difficult one for me. I have a lot of favorite memories. I think that this picture symbolizes my absolute favorite memory of all time.

I know it's hard to see, but, this is taken from the night Seth gave me my engagement ring. One night after a very long shift at the pharmacy I came home to a very dark house. We had this crazy dog who was a biter so when it was dark I was a little aggravated. I came in and asked why all the lights were off and as I rounded the corner the above is what I saw. Sitting on our dining room table. I was speechless for a few minutes. Then I was excited and so overwhelmed with the moment. I've never forgotten that night. Seth isn't a romantic type so when he goes out of his way to do things like this, well, they stick. So this is my favorite memory. It's sweet and such a special thing.

The rings at our wedding.

Day 4

This was a very tough one for me. I'm supposed to post a picture of my favorite night. Well, I have a lot of favorite "nights" that come to mind. The night I met my husband is one of my all time favorites, I don't have a picture to commemorate it though. Also the nights when I lived at home and we would have "midnight swim" parties in the backyard with all of my friends and my brothers friends.....those play in my mind when I try to think of a "favorite". There are also nights when I just get to sit at home with my Riley and cuddle and watch movies. There are just so many favorites, it's hard to pick. So after much thought and digging through photos, I've come up with this.

This is a picture of a perseid meteor shower.

I've blogged about this meteor shower before. Seth & I always watch things like this together. Every year the perseid meteor shower shows up around August. I always stay up to watch it. This last year Seth had to work so we didn't get to watch it together. So I stayed up until around midnight or later and waited for it to start. I was outside with both my dogs until around 2 or 3 in the morning. Something about space always mesmerizes me. Maybe it's because I grew up in "the city" and was never able to see things like this because of all the lights of town. Since I have moved out of "the city" and into the country.....I've made it a point to see every single beautiful space happening that there is! This particular meteor shower is my favorite and I can't wait to share this with my child. How often do we stop to see the beauty of space or nature? I'm betting not often. This is something that gives me the chance at least once a year. I get to stop my normal day to day life and just look into the sky and see the beauty that God created. So I know this may seem kinda like cheating, but this is something I get to enjoy with my husband. It's something I will get to share with my child once he's here.

And for those of you that are interested in seeing this beautiful shower, here's you a little info on when you'll be able to see it this year!

When and where to look for Perseids in 2011

In 2011, visibility (the weather also notwithstanding) will be somewhat limited by a full moon on August 13 which will likely wipe out fainter meteors from view.

Because of the way the earth hits this debris cloud, the Perseid meteor shower is much more visible in the Northern hemisphere.

People in Canada, for instance, can see the meteor shower by mid-July, but generally there isn't much activity at such an early date. Throughout Europe, the US and the rest of North America, meteor shower activity usually peaks sometime around August 12th, when it is not unusual to see at least 60 meteors per hour streaking across the Northeast sky.

The meteors are certainly bright, but they are actually only tiny objects, usually no more than a grain of sand. They travel at speeds of 71 kilometers per second, however, which helps these small particles put on such a brilliant show.

The Perseid meteor showers were observed as far back as two thousand years ago, and in ancient Europe, the Perseid meteor shower was known as the "Tears of St. Lawrence."


Click here to read more about the perseid showers.

Day 3

So today, I'm going to blow your mind! Today I'm supposed to post a picture of the cast from my favorite show. You all know I love Gilmore Girls so I assume most of you are expecting this one to be pretty obvious! Well, SURPRISE!!!!!

All in the Family.....yes, it's my all time favorite show. That chair that Archie is sitting in, well, I've been to the Smithsonian to see it. It was probably on of the biggest highlights of my trip. This is a big deal because I went to the White House while I was in DC too! See, this show came on Nick@Nite when I was younger. I can remember staying up and watching it waiting for my Daddy to come home from work when he was working nights. This is the show that started my LOVE of classic tv. I still will watch this show when it comes on TV Land. I loved Carrol O' Connor. When he passed away, well, that was a very sad day for me. So this is the cast of my favorite tv show of all time.

Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of the 30 day picture challenge! Today I'm supposed to post a picture of myself with a person I've been closest to the longest.

Now I could post my parents or my grandparents but I am choosing my Bubba. I can remember when he was born. I asked the doctor where his clothes were. My gosh, the nerve of that doctor bringing me a naked baby. I took to my brother instantly. I've always been a little mothering. I've always watched over him and tried my best to "take care" of him. I can remember when we were little, I had a little bity rocking chair and when Bubba would get sleepy, I'd sit in my chair and try my hardest to put him in my lap. I suceeded but just barely! I'd rock him as long as I could feel my legs! Mom has a video of this somewhere! I dressed him up in Mammaw's house coat & high heels on more than one occasion! I always loved having him. He was like my real live doll baby! As we got older, our relationship changed from the "mother hen" to a friendship. He helped me through many difficult times. I can remember during the beginning of my senior year, I went through a very hard break up. I had been dating this guy for over 2 years and very suddenly the relationship ended. My brother knew very well that I was hurting. He tried everything he could think of to make me smile. I was very into the Runaway Bride soundtrack at that time. I can remember driving to school with my brother in the car and him singing Marc Anthony's "You Sang to Me" in the Johnny Bravo voice. It worked every single time. I couldn't help but laugh. We had a lot of great times. We still do. He makes me laugh, picks me up when I'm down, and of course aggravates me like all brothers do. He's one of my greatest pals. I love him probably more than he'll ever know. He makes me very proud of the person he's becoming. And even though he's 700 miles away from me, there are days that I can call and talk to him and all is right in the world.

So here's to my baby brother. I love you very much! You make your sister very proud with all of the wonderful things you are doing with your life. I hope you know just how much you mean to me. Thanks for all the love, support, and most importantly.....friendship.

This picture was taken when we lived in McAllen, Tx. I'm not sure why we had on party hats but I know we were having a blast just being together.

30 Day Challenge - Day 1

So I saw this on facebook yesterday and I looked up the "rules" and thought it would be a fun thing for me to do.You are supposed to post a picture everyday and write a little about the picture. Kinda explain what they post is supposed to be about. I challenged my best friend to play along too!  I enjoyed doing my 30 days of thankfulness posts so much and I thought this would be a very fun thing to do with my BFF! Plus it will allow those of you that read this to learn a little about me and see some fun pictures! So here's to Day 1!

Day 1. A picture of yourself with 10 facts

This picture is one of my favorites! Seth & I went to Vegas a few years back and I saw these sunglasses when we were leaving the wax museum. Seth and I had a great trip! This picture always reminds me of how much fun we had in Sin City!

1. I hate whistling! I think it's the most annoying sound on the planet!
2. I seriously live through music! I feel like there's a song for every occasion in life.
3. I am a reality tv junkie! Seriously, I'm not proud of it but Celeb Rehab, Jerseylicious, and almost anything that comes on E!....you can bet it gets tivo'd at my house!
4. I absolutely HATE the color yellow. I dated a guy once that LOVED yellow, his clothes, car, shoes, socks....everything was yellow. He would freak every time he saw the color yellow and well, it wore on my nerves. So I basically own NOTHING that's yellow. I won't even look at yellow for the baby room.
5. I am completely terrified of crickets & grasshoppers. They are sticky and creepy and I hate them. Seth laughs at me when one flies at me. I scream and run like a little girl. It's ridiculous, I know, but UGH they are so gross!
6. I am unemployed for the first time since I was 15. I've always had a job so this no job thing seems a little weird. I'm used to working. This is a new challenge.
7. I LOVE hot tea. My Mammaw makes sweet tea every single day. Anytime I'm there I get hot tea because she knows it's my favorite thing in the world and well, let's face it, I'm a little spoiled!
8. I can't go to new places by myself. It terrifies me to go into a new place alone. I always want to know that I'm not doing something new alone.
9. I love Mexican food. Real Mexican food....a friend of mine who is Mexican has made me an honorary Mexican because I love it as much as she does!
10. I have a slight obsession with hand guns. I got my concealed carry license a few years ago and it's one of the things I'm most proud of.

More than a Memory.....

Every time this time of year comes around my mind starts wondering back to the past. About 6 years ago this past week is when my Pawpaw Bazil passed away. I think about him everytime this week rolls around. Each year it is same, memories of when we were little and went to the fire house to see him. Taking pictures on the truck he built, playing pool in the fire house, and playing with a stuffed monkey that held a banana in his den. I can remember getting a fire truck with his picture in the window of it every year when we were little. I can remember when he married "my Melba" and how happy he was. He changed when he met her. She was a wonderful woman and we loved her like she was our own grandma. I can remember taking pictures with him in my wedding gown. I remember how emotional that day was for me. He and I both knew he wasn't going to be able to attend my wedding so those pictures were very important to me. I guess he's on my mind even more right now because I'm trying to get the nursery done and we are decorating it in fire man stuff. I have some things he gave me that are going to be in that room. I always have a hard time when it comes to fire trucks, that's how they carried him to the cemetary. Those sirens get my heart every single time. I will never forget that day. I will never forget the amazing man he was and what he meant to me. So today I just hope he's watching from heaven and he knows that I think of him daily and love him very much. He was one of the greatest men I've ever known.

Just for you....you know who you are.

So today I am posting something I don't tend to post. I have a dear friend that is struggling this week and I am hoping these few scriptures might help. For those of my prayer ladies, just pray. You don't need to know what for, just pray.

John 14:27 – I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give is not fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.


Ecclesiastes3:1-4 – To every thing there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance


Dear God,
Please wrap your arms around my dear friend. You know her needs much better than I do. Please be with her and her family during these times of heart ache and struggle. Please protect her and keep her safe. Please guide her through the rest of the week and let her know that you will not give her more than she can handle. Let her know that you are there and will take care of her as she struggles through these difficult times.

Amen

Stupid people

So you all know I blog what I feel through music. Today this song came on in the car, I think it fits today pretty well. So if you are reading this and are one of the "stupid people" that needs to be smacked back into reality, just let me know and I'm here to help you out.

And all this small town he said, she said,

Ain't it funny how rumors spread.

Like I know something ya'll don't know,

Man that talk is gettin' old.

Ya better mind your business, man, watch your mouth,

Before I have to knock that loud mouth out.

Im tired of talkin, man, ya'll ain't listenin',

Them old dirt roads is what ya'll missin'.

New Year, New Goals....

So you all know I've been working on mastering the art of the cheesecake for some time now. I have decided since it's a new year, maybe I should set a goal. I'm going to TRY to make one new cheesecake recipe a month. I don't know how well it will go once the baby gets here, but, I can at least try! Right?? So this month I decided to make a Toblerone Cheesecake. It was actually a pretty simple recipe. And it tastes so good! I only made one change, I don't eat Oreos and that's what the crust was supposed to be made from. I normally do graham cracker crusts since Oreos gross me out. Other than that I followed the recipe and it turned out SO good! So here's a picture of it!

As for the rest of my goals for 2011.....here they are

Take 5 minutes out of each day to just relax, listen to music, do something for me.
Enjoy the people that mean the most to me and forget about those that are difficult to deal with.'
Listen less to what people say and pay closer attention to things that really matter to me.
Love, truly love with all my heart.
Become a great mom.
Learn to let go of the past and look forward to the future ahead of me.
Don't be so critical.
See if I can find a filter for my mouth.

So that's it for 2011, I think most of those I can do. There are a few that are really going to be hard for me, but resolutions are made for breaking I guess!