Favorite Baby, Cinnamon Rolls, & music....

So today I have 3 seperate things to post about and well, I'm going to be lazy and post all of it in one blog entry. So first things first.....

Favorite Baby. I blogged about her during my 30 day picture challenge. If you have tacky comments keep them to yourself. I love this doll. I got her back this weekend. My Mom has had her and well, since she was there and I found her, I cleaned her up and brought her home. I think she's beautiful. I know that anyone else that looks at her won't see the beauty I see. She's been with me for about 28 years. She's just that little childhood keepsake that I can't let go of. So here's a picture of a very tired me & my Favorite Baby.

Me & Favorite Baby. Yes that is her name.

Okay now moving on to the cinnamon roll portion of my day. I decided that since my father in law will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow, it might be nice if I baked him something. I have a hard time buying for him and never seem to find the perfect gift. He's a man who wants for nothing, has all that he needs, and seldom asks for anything. So I have started baking desserts and things for him and he seems to like that. I normally make him a chocolate cream pie. I have a great recipe from my Mammaw but I made that for him for Christmas. I wanted to make something different. I have The Pioneer Woman's cookbook and there are a TON of recipes in there that I want to try. So I settled on making him The Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls. I didn't think this would be an easy thing to do. I was right. I called my BFF about 4 times during the process of making these and listened to her giggle as I got aggravated at the rolls. She says I need my own cooking show and they will all end with me getting frustrated and saying screw it and walking off set. She's probably right. It could be very entertaining. I started making these stupid rolls at like 9 this morning and didn't finish it until around 2. This may be the first and last time I make these. But they were really good. I had enough to keep some for myself, take a pan to my parents, and still have tons to take to my father in law. Here are pictures of the rolls and some of the mess.

If you don't own this cookbook, you really should!

There was more flour but I was able to clean up some of it. 

Cinnamon Rolls....yummy!

Very good, if I had more patience I'd say it was worth it to be as frustrated as I was!

 Now for the music portion of today's blog. I have thought about this all day. I've looked for a great song to post. I thought it would be an easy day to listen to music but with all of the cinnamon roll madness I just couldn't concentrate. I did find the video for one of my very favorite songs. It's a song called "Amazing" by Josh Kelley. For those non-country fans, he's the brother to Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum. I love his voice. The sound of it is so unique. Charles Kelley also has a voice I could listen to for hours. So I hope you enjoy this song. I think it's a fun song. I just love it.

Keep On Lovin' You

So I'm posting a song today that reminds me of my husband. He's the person in my life that is the most constant. I know that no matter what else ever goes on in my world, he will always be there to be the strong person or the funny person that I need at that moment. You know, there are always times when we take our spouses for granted. There are times when we fight and argue and just about want to kill each other. That's part of life. I could never imagine not having my husband though. I love him. He loves me. You know when I was younger it was so easy to "fall in love" and also easy to fall out. When I met Seth, my whole life changed. Yesterday I was thinking about past relationships and it struck me kinda funny. I don't remember a lot about most of them. I don't remember anything really but the "goodbye" parts now. I know that there were fun times in a lot of those relationships. I think when I found Seth, all of those memories just faded. He was what I was searching for. He was everything I never knew I always wanted. You know when I'm sad, he makes me laugh, when I'm angry, he can calm me down. When I need someone to just listen, he can do that too. He's quick to tell me when people treat me poorly. He's quick to come to my defense. He's just amazing. He's my best friend and I can't imagine my world without him in it. So today I'm posting a song by Steel Magnolia. It's called "Keep On Lovin' You" and yes, it is his ring tone when he calls me. I love this song. It always makes me think of Seth. It always takes me to a place that feels safe. I hope you enjoy this group. I first fell in love with them when I was flipping through channels and saw them on Nashville Star. I think they are pretty amazing.

Free

So today I'm posting a Christian artist. The artist is Ginny Owens. I found her through my brother. He has a wide variety of music intrests and this song was on the one and only WOW cd that I ever fell in love with. The song I'm posting is Free. I have not ever heard a Ginny Owens song that I didn't like. She's a very talented artist and she speaks in a musical language that I get. I love this song. It makes me happy, makes me feel like I'm free..... I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Just click on the link below and it should take you to the song.

Free by Ginny Owens

That Thing You Do

Okay, so I realize that the fact that I love this song probablly makes me a huge dork. This song comes from one of my very favorite movies and honestly I probably wouldn't have thought to post it but the movie was on tonight. I'm cheating again because tomorrow is going to be kinda busy for me and I don't know when I'll be able to get online to post.

That Thing You Do by The Wonders is one of my very favorite songs. I loved this movie and just can't ever turn the channel when it comes on tv, even though I own the movie. It's just a clean movie and well, it's about music so you know that sucks me in. I love Tom Hanks & Tom Everett Scott. I very rarely find a movie with one of them in it that I don't like. So I thought in honor of Friday, I'd post a fun loving song. One that makes me happy. One that is just very off the wall. So enjoy! Oh and if you haven't seen this movie, please crawl out from under the rock you are living under and rent it! It's just so great!

Guinevere

So we're 13 days into this challenge. It seems to really be flying by and that makes me sad because I could post a music video for every day of the year! I love music that much! Today I'm posting the song "Guinevere" by Eli Young Band. The Eli Young Band is considered Red Dirt music. I don't really think of it that way but I think that's what they are classified as for the most part. I have loved this band for a long time.

This particular song just fits me. It talks about how she uses music to deal with life. It also talks about how she isn't big on giving second chances. How she never really drops her guard. This song is basicallly about me. I know that sounds awful. It's not though, it's just how I am. I have had many people in my life abuse the right to a second chance. So at this point, there are some situations that I choose to walk away from instead of staying and toughing out the pain of trying to fix it. Sometimes it's better for you to just walk away and be done. Not everyone is worthy of a second or even a third chance. I know that people say "people can change" but often we are creatures of habit and we don't change. We can pretend to for a while and eventually screw up and show our true colors.

 I really connect with this song. Somedays I feel like they are singing about me. So I hope you enjoy the song.

Frantic

So this challenge seems to be just flying by! Today I am going to introduce you to a song that always makes me think of my best friend, Shawna. I've always loved this song and something about it has recently made me start thinking of her every single time I hear it. So, Shawna, here's what I believe is your theme song some days! I love this song and hope that you do too!

Jamie O'Neal - Frantic

She's Everything

So today I have had this song stuck in my head. From the moment I heard it, I was in love. "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley. Man that boy has a way with a song. He's one of the most talented guitarists I've ever heard. I have been to a concert of his and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. This particular song is one that my husband has on a playlist of his. He doesn't do lovey dovey songs very often. So the fact that this is on an iPod playlist of his, is kinda a big deal! I hope you enjoy the song. It's actually a very beautiful song. Very sweet.

Nutella Swirl Cheesecake!

Just in case you are new here or have forgotten about my "New Year's Resolution".....I have chosen to try to master the art of cheesecake. I will be making one cheesecake a month, and always something different. Last month was a Toblerone Cheesecake. This month is a Nutella Swirl Cheesecake. Now for those of you that don't know what Nutella is, well you are missing out on one of the most wonderful treats EVER! Nutella is a hazelnut spread, similar to peanut butter but tastes like chocolate. It's amazing! I love this stuff. It's good on bread, bagels, fruit, a spoon..... I decided that I would try to make a cheesecake with Nutella. This is what I did.

Cocoa, Nilla Wafers, & butter for the crust....

Cheesecake Filling

Cheesecake before Nutella Transformation!

Nutella, if you don't have this, you should.

Nutella Cheesecake Filling....

Nutella Swirls before the oven

Fresh out of the oven!

Later this evening it was time to sample!

This recipe was a super simple one. I enjoyed making it and I know that I learned a lot from this particular cheesecake. It was made a lot different from the cheesecakes I've made in the past and it was SO good. I am having a blast with this challenge. I am already trying to think of what to make next month. I'm thinking some kind of lime or lemon cheesecake. We'll see what I come up with. Hope you enjoyed the tasty pictures!

Boyz In The Hood

Okay so I know that most people will not like this song. I should probably be ashamed that it cracks me up the way it does. The original was done by a rapper called Eazy E. This version is done by Dynamite Hack. I discovered this song when I was in high school. Actually, my brother actually discovered it and that's where I heard it first. He always finds the strangest  music. He'd die if he knew this was his ringtone on my phone. Oh well, he won't read this so he'll never have to know!

I love this video and song because it's funny. It's a bunch of white boys singing about things that you just normally wouldn't hear them sing about. And the video is hilarious, it's a bunch of privelaged white kids dressed up in their preppy clothes. Hilarious. So if you don't like it, I totally understand. I really probably should be ashamed that it makes me laugh. Oh well, I can't help it.

That's Cool

So today I'm listening to music as I clean house and do laundry. This song came up on the iTunes and well, it's a favorite of mine. The band's name is Blue County. They have only put out one cd to my knowledge and it's the one I own. I love this song and it's what forced me to purchase their cd.

This song is called "That's Cool" and it talks about so many different times in a persons life. I'm sure that a lot of us can relate to it. It talks about being young and in love, being a newlywed, and being a parent. It's a beautiful song. And the men singing it aren't too shabby either. I hope you enjoy this song.

Sinners Like Me

We all are sinners. We all do things at one point or another that we know we shouldn't. Nobody's perfect, right? Well the song I'm posting today is one of my absolute favorites. I'm sure it won't be the last time I post a song from this artist. I love his sound, his lyrics all tell a story, and well, most of them I can connect with on a personal level. The song I'm posting today is called "Sinners Like Me" by Eric Church. There is acutally not an official video for this song, so I just found one on youtube that would allow you to hear the song.

I think most people can relate to this song. It has a line in the song that always makes me think of my husband. From the moment I heard this song I thought of him. Now that we are having a baby, it reallly hits home. This is one of my all time favorite songs. It always leaves me with a good feeling when I hear it.

Eric Church

Sinners Like Me

I was fifteen when my daddy's old man

Caught me half way through my first beer

He laughed so hard when my face turned green

He said “You come from a long line of sinners like me”

Now me and my brother go to see him some times

But he don't have much to say anymore

So we sit on his headstone with a fifth of Jack D.

Here's to a long line of sinners like me

La de dah de dah

La de dah dah de de

I come from a long line of sinners like me

My mama had a soft spot for a hell raisin' boy

So she had two more just like him

It takes an angel to raise a family

That comes from a long line of sinners like me

Well now maybe who knows one day I'll settle down

Give my dad a grandson of his own

And when the doctor smacks him, he'll probably take a swing

Cause he'll come from a long line of sinners like me

La de dah de dah

La de dah dah de de

I come from a long line of sinners like me

On the day I die

I know where I'm gonna go

Me and Jesus got that part worked out

I'll wait at the gates til his face I see

And stand in a long line of sinners like me

I'll stand in a long line of sinners like me

La de dah de dah

La de dah dah de de

I come from a long line of sinners like me

La de dah de dah

La de dah dah de de

Here’s to a long line of sinners like me

I come from a long line of sinners like me

When You Come Back Down

So it's day 5 of this 30 day music challenge. Today I'm posting a song that reminds me of my brother. I've had him on my heart for the last few days. I keep hearing this song playing in my head. It reminds me of him. The song talks about a relationship that is a constant. How they'll always be there when that other person needs them.....when they are at their highest and lowest points. It's how I feel about my brother. No matter how far away from me he goes, I'll always be here for him.

He moved to Illinois (about 700 miles away from me) in October. I miss him so very much. There are some days that I wish I could just get in the car and drive to see him. 700 miles would take me a while though. So today, on this beautiful day, I want to post a video for the song "When You Come Back Down" by Nickel Creek. I hope you enjoy it and that it makes you think of someone you love very much. It always makes me smile....

Cross Canadian Ragweed

Welcome to day 4 of the music challenge. This beautiful weather has a way of taking over my head and my need for music. I told you yesterday that music takes me back. Well, this song I'm going to post today is no different.

The band I want to post about today is called Cross Canadian Ragweed. They recently did their final show and have gone their separate ways. I've been listening to this band for years. At least 10 years anyway. I was first introduced to them when I was a senior in high school. I had started hanging out with some guys from a small town just 15 minutes away. I made friends with them when I worked at Walmart. We had a lot of fun times and this band, well, it was the soundtrack to summer. Even after I stopped hanging out with the "Marlow Boys" I still continued to listen to CCR. I even went to a concert of theirs once and it was amazing. I got into a little bit of a scuffle with some big guy over a guitar pick that Cody Canada (lead singer) threw into the crowd and well, I won!

Years ago I was drawn to this song because it was something I played on my ride to Elk City to spend the weekend with Seth when he worked on an oil rig. I had bought the newest (at that time) CCR cd and was in love with it. Seth had told me that this song made him think of me. I loved the song anyway but still when I hear it, it takes me back to when we were dating. It makes me smile and fills my heart with this wonderful feeling.

Keep in mind that Cross Canadian Ragweed isn't everyone taste. They have several songs that I, of course, love and most people will look at me and judge me for loving. Boys From Oklahoma, The President Song, Carney Man, and many others are a little rough around the edges. But they have sweet love songs too....Constantly (which Cody wrote for his wife) & Alabama are my two faves of the sweet songs. So I hope you enjoy this song, and if you don't, well that's okay too. They are sometimes an acquired taste.

Good Time

Okay, I'm going to kinda cheat. I'm posting tomorrow's song tonight. I have a date with a very cute guy tomorrow and I don't know when I will have time to post.

This artist is one of my favorites. Jessica Andrews is her name. She's pretty close to my age. When I was in high school I remember listening to her music and thinking that she got where I was in my life at that time. She had so many great songs and I loved them all. The one I'm posting today is off the last cd that she put out, Now. I remember listening to this cd over and over when Seth and I first started dating. There are several songs on this particular album that really hit me hard. There's More to Me Than You, You're the Man (That Brings the Woman Out In Me), Second Sunday, and the song that I'm posting today....Good Time. Those are my favorite songs on this album. I can turn on one of these songs and it takes me back to that place in time in my life when those songs were part of my soundtrack. So I hope you enjoy the song I've chosen for the day. With all of this beautiful weather we are having this week, it's the most appropriate. It's the one that makes you want to just get up and drive. Flip flops, windows down, and just driving anywhere....this is the perfect song for this weather.

Beautiful Day!

So last week it was snowing. Today it is absolutely beautiful. The weather is so nice here in my little Oklahoma town! 75 degrees and a little bit of a breeze! Oh I could live with this kind of weather all year round! Flip flops, short sleeves, windows open.....ah, spring time! One of my favorite times of the year! I thought I'd share a few pictures of my beautiful babies enjoying the day. I got them to take some pictures for me....they are just so cute!

I looked out the window and this is what I saw....

Redick & Riley

Redick....only 9 months old....good golly he's a big guy!

My beautiful Riley. I love this pup!

Big Red & Riley...they like each other a little bit!

Forget You

So I heard this song this weekend on the Grammy's. I fell in LOVE! It's so funny! I am posting the video to the "tv/radio approved" version. The words to the other, well, you can figure out what they changed! HA! It's just a funny video and song. You all know you have a favorite "revenge" song or even a favorite "break up" song. This one seems to be both. It's just hilarious to me. And if you saw the Grammy's, this guy was something to see. Google a picture of Cee Lo Green at the Grammy's and you'll see what I'm talking about! I hope you enjoy the song.

Ladies & gents.....Cee Lo Green!

2011 Grammy Awards....

So I am sure you all know that last night was the Grammy Awards. I have a rule in my house. I never watch any of the music awards shows live. I tape them all so that I can fast forward through the crap I don't care about. Last night I wasn't even planning on watching the Grammy's. I saw a tweet that said Eminem was going to perform and well, if you know anything about me, you know I love Eminem. He's one of my favorite artists. He took home some very big awards last night. I personally think his performance was the best one that I saw.

Today I read an article about a piece of jewelry he was wearing. I noticed it last night during his performance. He had a necklace on and it was his AA pendant. You see, if you have ever heard any of his music, you can pretty much see that he's had a past that was consumed with drug and alcohol abuse. He's had a life full of struggles. His new album is called Recovery, and as the name suggests it has a lot of songs on it about his road to recovery. He talks about a friend that passed away recently and how it has affected him. He talks about his kids and his love for them. He's come a very long way in his personal life. It shows in his attitude when he gives an acceptance speech. I think he's pretty amazing. I know he started off very thuggy. He was this obnoxious guy with a bad attitude, anger problem, and drug addiction. But he shows the world that everyone can change.

Eminem's songs on the Recovery album aren't as aggressive as the songs on previous albums. I was proud of him lastnight. He's making his life a better one and when you are in the public eye everyone is waiting for you to fail, so that can't be easy. So I was proud for him last night when he won the awards for Best Rap Album & Best Rap Solo. He deserved the recognition he got and then some.

Crazy

So today is the beginning of a wonderful music challenge! I've been racking my brain trying to decide what song I wanted to post on here. I finally decided that I would post a favorite of mine from a new band. This song reminds me of my husband. Kinda fitting since today is Valentines Day! This group is just starting to get out there and get some play time on the radio. They have given away their cd so that us loyal fans could share it with as many people as possible. I've given away at least 3 of their cds. I just love them. This song is the song that got me interested in them. I heard it on a local photographers web page and had to have it. So here's to Stars Go Dim. If you haven't listened to them, click on that link and it will take you to their site where you will find free music, videos, and so very much more.

Stars Go Dim

Crazy

Isn't it crazy

How life slips right into your life

Forces everything else to the side

Fall in love at a glance, and that's alright

Isn't it crazy

How we never felt so alive

Until your world collided with mine

Trade love for a chance, that's alright

I knew I wanted you the first time

That I saw you walk by

That I need you forever

When your eyes met mine

I loved you the first time

I heard you speak my name

You'd be the beauty in my life, always

I never knew I could love someone

Never knew I could feel so complete

After all is said and done

Our love will still be holding up strong

I'd give all I have for love, that's alright

After all we have each other

Nothing can hold us back from all

That this life has put in our path

We will survive

New Challenge!

So tomorrow is a new day. With each new day there comes new challenges. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new blog challenge with my best friend. I planned on explaining this all tomorrow. Instead I've decided to write a little about it today to explain it ahead of time.

You all know about my love for music. In the next 30 days you will be introduced to some of my very favorite artists, bands, and songs. I listen to music to help me cope with whatever is going on in my life at the moment. This challenge is to post a new song every day for the next 30 days. I am not sure how Shawna is going to do her blog, but I will be either posting lyrics for the song or a link to the video, along with an explanation of what the song means to me and/or why I like it. So if you don't like music, you won't be a fan of the next 30 days. I hope that you will at least attempt to make it through and listen to the songs I post. They all have great meaning to me. I've already got lyrics dancing through my head. This challenge is an exciting one for me. I'm glad Shawna came up with it!

Wayman's Song....

So around this time last year I lost a sweet friend of mine. I had known this man for years....at least since I was about 6 years old or so. He went to my church, was my Sunday School teacher, and I remember him taking us (my brother & me) home with him one Sunday afternoon to play video games and just hang out with his family. I remember when he was in the Desert Storm war. I remember praying for him even though at that time, I didn't really know much about what Desert Storm was. Anyway, I loved this man. His name was Isaac. He was a big black man. He wore this cologne that I can still remember vividly. Anytime you hugged him you smelled like him for the rest of the day. And you never got away from him at church without getting a hug. He was a great man, did a lot of neat things in his life, and he loved everyone. I have been thinking about him a lot lately. I know that if he were here, this baby would be so spoiled. I like to think that he's up in Heaven looking down and will be watching over my baby. If Isaac is my baby's Guardian Angel, well, he'll have a great one. Today while I was driving home from shopping with Mom I was listening to my ipod and this song came on. I guess it triggered something in my memory. It came out around the same time Isaac passed away. It always reminds me of him. So I thought I would post something about him today and post this song. This song is a Toby Keith song. He wrote it for a friend of his, Wayman Tisdale. The video shows a lot of clips of him and TK. It's a sweet song. Sad, but very sweet.

Toby Keith

Cryin' For Me (Wayman's song)

“Sorry you missed me

I’ll get back with you as soon as I can

Thank you and god bless”

Got the news on Friday mornin’

But a tear I couldn’t find

You showed me how I’m supposed to live

And now you showed me how to die

I was lost till Sunday mornin’

I woke up to face my fear

While I’m writing you this goodbye song

I found a tear

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying 'cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

I got up and dialed your number

And your voice came on the line

That old familiar message

I heard a thousand times it just said

Sorry that I missed you

Leave a message and god bless

I know you think I’m crazy

But I had to hear your voice I guess

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying 'cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

So play your upside-down, left handed

Backwards bass guitar

And I’ll see you on the other side

Superstar

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying 'cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

I’m still crying

I’m crying for me

I’m still crying

Day 30

So today is the end of this particular challenge. I will be starting a new one on Monday. Today's challenge is to post a picture of someone you miss. I didn't have to think about this one too hard. I'm sure I could post a picture of my Pawpaw Bazil, my Uncle Paul, or even my friend Isaac. I chose to pick someone else that I held near and dear to my heart. This person is.....

My crazy & fun loving, Uncle Max. My Uncle Max was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He came into my life when I was only 6 years old. He married my crazy Aunt Johnnye. Now when I say crazy, I don't mean it in a bad way. They were so much fun. I can still hear my Uncle Max's voice and laugh. He had the loudest voice and laugh of anyone I know. If he found something funny, he would laugh so hard and so loud! It could probably have shaken the house. This picture captures that funny side of him. It shows that smile I remember and I can just hear that booming laugh. He was a fun loving man.

I can remember he gave my brother a nickname. He called him "Clayton Delaney".....it drove my brother crazy! Not too long ago someone called my brother that and he called and told Mom that he thought of Uncle Max when he heard that. He said the person who called him that said something to the affect of, "I bet no one's ever called you that before"....to which my brother responded with, "Yes, my Uncle Max called me that." That's all Uncle Max ever called him.

My Uncle Max has been on my mind so much lately. I'm not sure why. I miss him somedays and miss that laugh. I know that if he was around right now, he'd be coming up with a great nickname for the baby I'm going to have in a few short months. I can only imagine what he'd come up with. I know whatever it is, he'd laugh every time he said it!

So today I'm ending this challenge with some great pictures of my Uncle Max. Some that show just how awesome he was to my family. He loved my family with everything he had. He was a great man. And he's missed but I know he was a Christian man and someday I will see him again.

My Uncle Max & Aunt Johnnye's wedding. I was the flower girl.

Madison, Max, & Bethany

His grandchildren loved him so much.

Me at the wedding...I did not want to be a flower girl.

Max & Madison

Mad & Max

Uncle Max

Max & Bethany

They were playing those handheld poker games or something.

Day 29

So after the long stressful day I've had today, this challenge is just what I needed. See I'm dealing with a crazy person today....and no I'm not making a joke. So today when I read that the challenge is to post a picture that always makes me smile....well, it's just what I needed. So here it is.

This is a picture of my "nephews", Alex & Logan. I think Logan was almost 2 when this was taken. I don't know I can't remember at the moment. Shawna sent this to me one day and I fell in love. Logan is howling at the dog next door. I have this picture in my house and even though Logan is now 4 years old, I still keep it out. It's one of many of my favorite pictures of these adorable boys. They always have a way of making me smile when I'm having a bad day. Today is no different. I love these little guys. I really do.

Day 28

So today was a very easy challenge for me. I'm supposed to post a picture of something I'm afraid of. I know that I am going to get made fun of this but......

GRASSHOPPERS!!!! I am absolutely terrified of grasshoppers & crickets. Last summer I got in the car and drove to work one morning and when I turned around to get my badge out of the car I saw a grasshopper in my backseat. I almost screamed. I ended up going in and asking my friend Carrie if she would go out to my car with me after work and get the grasshopper out of my car. Now keep in mind I live with a man that will throw grasshoppers on me just because he knows how freaked out I get. So when we got to my car at the end of the day, I opened it up and Carrie started looking for him. I walked about 3 cars away. And I'm very glad I did. When she emerged with the grasshopper, she started looking for me. She started laughing and said, "Where did you go?" I told her how Seth would throw the stupid grasshopper on me so I knew to get far away!

This is just one story of many when I've hid from someone with grasshoppers. Seth has had to deal with this fear of mine so much. The farm we go out to in the summer time is always COVERED in grasshoppers. If one gets in the truck I freak, put my legs in the seat, and make him get the stupid thing out of the truck. He gets quite annoyed with me. Oh well,  I hate these things. They are nasty, creepy crawly, and you can't get them off of you easily because of their sticky little feet.

I have gotten a little closer to them from time to time. But only because my little Logan loves bugs. So when I see one that has a neat pattern I will get close enough to take a picture of them for him. But that's it. It's better than running away screaming I guess!

Day 27

So today is a hard challenge. I have to post a picture of me and a family member. Well, I love all of my family SO much! I have finally narrowed it down to 2 people. So I'm going to blog about my grandparents.

Pawpaw & Mammaw

My Pawpaw & Mammaw

Bubba, Mammaw, Me, & Billy Joe

Bubba, Mammaw, Me, & Pawpaw

My grandparents have had the biggest influence on my life. They've taught me how to love, how to live, and how to enjoy the world around me. My grandparents are the most amazing people you could ever meet. They never meet a stranger and they give love freely.

My grandparents kept my brother & me when we were little. I can remember going up to the grocery store during the day to "have break" with my Pawpaw. Mammaw would buy us both a coke and a candy bar. I can still remember what my Pawpaw would eat. He'd always get an orange soda & an almond joy. I remember I usually did the same because I loved doing the things he did.

 Building tents in Mammaw's dining room with sheets & rubber bands, having tea parties with the left over coke we didn't get to finish drinking at the "break" with Pawpaw, playing outside on the boat. All these memories are ones that I will treasure for my entire life.

Pawpaw took us fishing, taught us how to throw a line in the water and he always took the fish off the hooks for us. We always had such a great time fishing with him. I still love going out there and fishing when I have a chance. Seth & I went this past summer and we had such a blast. Fishing with Pawpaw is an experience you just have to have to understand why all of us grandkids love going fishing with him.

Mammaw has always been an amazing teacher. She's taught me so many things I'm proud to know. Red has taught me how to make her "famous" chocolate pie, Thanksgiving dressing, and so many other things. We always have such a great time together. Every time we make the chocolate pies we end up having a merange fight. It's always so much fun! She's a very ornery lady! I just adore her.

My grandparents are some very amazing people. They would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it. I've learned so many things from them. I know when I was growing up I dreamed of finding a love like they had. They have this bond that is so unbreakable. Now a days people get divorced just because they are bored. Not my grandparents. They love eachother with their heart and soul. There's nothing they wouldn't do for eachother. They are eachother's best friend. I always dreamed of finding a love like that for myself someday. That's what I looked for in relationships when I was trying to find "the one". I found that kind of love when I met my husband. I'm thankful that I had my grandparents to give me such an amazing example of how to live life. I've been truly blessed to have them in my life.

Oh crazy people.....

Have you ever had a crazy person in your life that you just couldn't seem to shake? I think everyone has at some point and time. Well, today I've been "dealing" with one of those crazy people. You know the ones, they want to be mean to you and talk crap to and about you, but when you finally walk away they act as if you were the center of their world. They try the guilt trips to make you want to be their friend again. They try to make it sound as if there's no one else in the world that understands them. No one in the world they can talk to about whatever new problem they have now. Well, at some point you learn to see through all of that. It becomes annoying and somewhat entertaining because you get to where you can predict what their next move is going to be. That's where I am today. I predicted (sucessfully) every move this person was going to make today. I saw through all of the crap that she tried to pull over on me.

Anyway, as I was cleaning up the house and putting away gifts from the baby shower, I was of course listening to music. This song came on and I couldn't help but laugh. I have a collection of songs that I could use to "describe" how I feel about this relationship (or lack there of). Daughtry's "No Surprise", SheDaisy's "Get Over Yourself", and so very many more. Today this is the one that struck me. And yes, I did laugh out loud. So thanks to Jo Dee Messina for the lyrics that really made my day.

Lyrics to My Give A Damn's Busted

(Tony Martin/Tom Shapiro/Joe Diffie)

Well you filled up my head with so many lies

You've twisted my heart 'til something snapped inside

I'd like to give it one more try

But, my give a damn's busted

You can crawl back home, say you were wrong

Stand out in the yard and cry all night long

Go ahead and water the lawn

My give a damn's busted

chorus:

I really wanna care

I wanna feel something

Let me dig a little deeper

No, sorry, nothing

You can say you've got issues

You can say you're a victim

It's all your parents' fault, I mean after all you didn't pick em

Maybe somebody else has got time to listen

My give a damn's busted

Well your therapist says it was all a mistake

A product of the Prozac and your codependent ways

So who's your enabler these days

My give a damn's busted

Chorus:

I really wanna care

I wanna feel something

Let me dig a little deeper

No, still nothing

It's a desperate situation

No tellin what you'll do

If I don't forgive you, you say your life is through

Come on give me something I can use

My give a damn's busted

Chorus:

Well, I really wanna care

I wanna feel something

Let me dig a little deeper

No, man, sorry

Just nothing, no

You've really done it this time

My give a damn's busted

Day 26

So today I'm suposed to post a picture of something that means a lot to me. I've been racking my brain and finally came up with this.......

My alexandrite necklace. Now this is a picture of one very similar to the one I have. I can't get a good enough picture of my own to post it. But this is pretty close. For those of you that don't know anything about this stone, let me fill you in. It's the original birthstone for the month I was born....June. It's a very precious stone and it has some pretty neat qualities. It changes color in different light. In flourescent light it is a gorgeous green color. In incandescent or candle light it ranges from a deep red to a purplish red. It's a beautiful stone. Very rare, very expensive. Even the lab grown alexandrites are not cheap.

My husband bought me a necklace with and alexandrite heart for the first Christmas we were dating. It's something I never ever take off. I had to every day for work when I worked at the jewelry shop, but it was back around my neck at the end of the shift. I treasure this necklace because it is the first gift Seth ever gave me. He took the time to listen to me and find out things that I really wanted. He found a jewelry store that could get the lab grown stones and he ordered my necklace. I know it's just a necklace to most anyone. And I'm not usually sentimental about most of my jewelry, especially since I was a repair jeweler for 4 years. But this necklace holds a very special place in my heart. It means so much to me. He didn't need any guidance on what to get me that year, he just picked out something he thought I would really like. Boy was he ever right! I know I have a wedding ring that he picked out, I love that, and I have several other rings he's bought for me. None of those things stand out to me like this necklace.

Seth knows how much I love my original birthstone, so while we were in DC for vacation, he went to the Natural History Museum with me twice, just so I could look through all of the precious stones room and find my alexandrite. I had never seen REAL alex before. Seeing it in person really took my breath away. Someday when I'm old, I really want to own a real alexandrite. It doesn't have to even be a big one.....I just want to have my own someday. Here is a pictures from the museum of the genuine stone. I think it's beautiful and SO unique.

Here's the genuine Alexandrite at the Natural History Museum in DC.

And here are a few other pictures that I found around the internet so that you can see the different color changes. It's really a beautiful stone.

Genuine Alexandrite

Lab Created

My stone looks like the dark purple blue most of the time.

Music...

So today I thought I'd post something about how wonderful my husband is. He's been working hard to get the baby room ready. Yesterday I had one of two showers and when I got home with his pick up, it was so loaded down. There were boxes in the bed, bags and bags of stuff in the front seat & the back seat. He got up from watching basketball and came out to help me get everything in. He has done so many things for me since I've been pregnant. Gone to get me crazy foods I've been craving (pickle o's from sonic!), scratched my back when it's itching so bad because my stupid skin is stretching, worked on the baby room until he's so sick of looking at it he could scream! This list could go on forever! He's just such an amazing man and I'm so fortunate to have him. I usually would post a song about how I feel and something that makes me think of him. Tonight instead, I'm posting a quote from a sweet friend of mine. It made me think of my husband instantly. I asked Ashley if I could share it on my blog and she said yes.

I wanna get lost in you like the lyrics to my favorite song, I'll sing u the chorus if u play back the melody--Ashley Thomas

This pretty much sums up how I feel about my husband. I've been blessed beyond what I deserve with him. He's a very amazing man.


Thank you to Ashley for letting me use the quote. It's beautiful! She's such a talented girl! If you don't know who she is, you should seriously check out her photography. She does beautiful work. She's a woman of many talents, so check her out. Aspen Blue Photography

Day 25

A picture of my favorite day. There are so many days that I treasure. So many days that mean so much to me. I could pick my wedding day, the day my brother was born, or even the day I found out I was pregnant. Instead I've decided to pick this day......

My Riley Baby

This is the GREATEST dog!

I remember him being this little!

So as you've now guessed, my favorite day is the day I got Riley. As most of you know, he's my baby. I love this dog like he was my own child. I remember it took me 2 days to decide on a name. I sat at the computer in the living room at my parents house and looked through a baby name site until I got all the way to the "R's".....Riley looked like it fit him pretty well.

He's the sweetest dog. He likes to cuddle with me when Seth is working nights, he gives me hugs, and always tries to make sure I'm okay when I'm crying. He's just such an amazing dog. I love him very much. Maybe I'm so partial to him because it's been like raising a child with Riley. He's thrown up on me, fallen asleep on me, and I'm sure he had probably peed on my accidentally too. I've had late nights with him when he's been sick, doctored hurt paws, and even stayed up with him at night until he fell asleep on nights he didn't feel good. I know a lot of people reading this are shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. He's my baby though. I chose to get him and that is a responsibility I don't take lightly.

 I love this dog. He's more human than dog to me. I think he understands me more than most people. He's always there to give me kisses or cuddles when I've had a bad day. He's just perfect. And honestly I think I will live the rest of my life and never find another dog as great as this one. Close maybe, but never as good as my Riley. So my favorite day would be the one when we picked eachother and I brought him home.

Day 24

A picture of something I wish I could change.....This challenge proves to be a tricky one. I am going to go with what I would change today.

This is a picture of my best friend, Shawna. You see that white stuff behind her in the picture. That would be snow. The dreaded four letter word that is keeping her from being here today for my baby shower. You see, we have talked about this shower for a while now, planned, laughed, and anticipated. Unfortunately the snow ruined those plans. There's no way for her to get out and get here since she lives two hours away from me. So today the thing I would like to change the most, is the weather. I would want this snow to melt and her to be able to be here. We are supposed to get more snow next week. I hope that snow is prepared because I'm pretty sure I'm going to punch snow in the face for keeping my best friend from attending my baby shower. So that's what I would change today if given the chance. Snow is not my friend and should probably be watching it's back next week.

Day 23

Today is another lovely snow day here in Oklahoma. I'm so sick of the snow. I can't go anywhere by myself because it's slick and my husband thinks it's a bad idea for me to be out driving in it in my little car. That makes the challenge today a little easier for me. I'm supposed to post a picture of my favorite book. Well, I have two. One of them is one I've read recently. The other is one I read a few years ago. Both books I've read several times.

I recently read this book.....twice. It's is a story about things that the authors father says and said throught his childhood. There is a tv show on right now that is modeled after the book. I find it quite hilarious! Alot of the things that he says reminds me of my husband! I'm sure once my son gets here, he will be able to write a book that will rival this one!

My aunt and I trade books all the time. She gave me this one a few years ago. I read it all the way through in about a day. It was suspenseful and SO good. It got me hooked on Mary Higgins Clark. This story is about a couple and thier new baby who moved to Cape Cod. Strange things start happening that remind the mother of the child she lost a few years before. She begins getting worried that the same things will happen to the new baby. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I just couldn't put it down.

I love reading. I love mystery books, biographies, love stories, and so many other different kinds of books. With this lovely snow we have falling here, it looks like there will be tons more books in my future this next week. I'm not sure where I got this love of reading. Neither of my parents are readers. I don't know how I discovered the love of reading but I'm very glad I did!

Day 22

I'm supposed to post a picture of something I wish I were better at. So I've been thinking. There are things we all wish we were better at. Everything from excercising, singing, to being better at athletics. There are so many things I wish I were better at. The thing I most wish I was better at....or even at least good at is.......

My husband playing golf on our 4 year anniversary.

GOLF!! I would love to be able to play golf. My hand eye coordination sucks though and I can't swing a club to save my life! My reason for wanting to be better at golf is because it's something my husband loves! I think it looks like it could be so much fun! I know it would not be as fun for my husband if I tagged along. But, I'd still enjoy being able to at least golf with him every once in a while. Since I can't play at all, I tag along every once in a while and just ride in the cart and help Seth find his golf balls! I also laugh when he hits trees.....probably another reason he wouldn't want me to tag along! But this is the thing I would want to be better at. I love doing things with Seth. I have fun being with him, even if all I'm doing is riding around for HOURS in a golf cart!

Day 21

So holidays....we all have a favorite. Today's challenge was to post a picture of my favorite holiday and why it's my favorite. I could choose so many different things. I could pick my birthday, which isn't really a holiday (unless you are me), or I could pick Thanksgiving or Christmas....when all of my family is together. Instead I am picking......

The 4th of July. I have always love the 4th. I can remember back when my cousins from Texas would come up every year to see us. They would show up at Christmas and once during the summer. I remember sitting in the Walmart parking lot watching the fireworks together. I remember they always would say what kind of flower the fireworks looked like. I also remember thinking that was stupid.....funny the things that stick in your head.

Then when I got older and worked at Walmart, I had to work on the 4th. I remember a friend of mine was working too and we would "cover" for eachother as we each took off to the back door to watch the fireworks from the back of the store! We would have been in so much trouble if we had gotten caught! It was worth it though! That friend and I stayed pretty close for a few years. I remember taking his neices to watch them a couple times....taking them to the park here.

In the town that I live in there is a little park and the 4th of July is the biggest celebration this town ever sees. They do a "big boom" every hour on the hour through out the day. They have a big parade. They have a big celebration at the park with booths, music, & food. At night they throw a big concert and people come from all over to watch the fireworks here. The awesome thing is, where I live, you can see the fireworks perfectly without having to be down there in the huge crowd.

I can remember the first 4th of July I spent here with my husband. It was the 2nd year we were dating. We had a bunch of people over and we cooked out on the grill. We had so much fun. It became a tradition of sorts. That ended when everyone started having babies. Seth & I still go outside every year with the pups and watch the fireworks. We have family come out sometimes to watch with us. It's just something we do every year. I love the bright fireworks, the loud boom, and the celebration that comes with the 4th. It's a time I get to spend with my husband. It's something I really enjoy and look forward to every year. You know to me it's like Christmas at times.....without the presents. That excited feeling you get waiting for Santa, that's the feeling I get waiting for the fireworks show to start. And lucky for me, my husband humors me and watches the fireworks with me every year. He even sets off the fireworks I go buy. He's such a good husband!

So next time you are watching fireworks, maybe you will think of me and the fun time I have on the 4th!

Day 20

Today I'm supposed to post a picture of a place I want to travel. There are many places I would love to go. So many things I'd love to see! All 5 Great Lakes, the Statue of Liberty, Old Faithful, and the Hawaiian Volcanoes. This is the one place I always think of when I think of places I want to see....

I want to go to the Sequoia National Park. I remember when I was in grade school seeing a picture of these trees. I have wanted to go there ever since. I am hoping one day when my little guy is here, we can travel to see this as a family.

These trees are 100's of years old. There are several different types of trees in this park. The sequoia trees are enormous. Most of them can grow up to 300 feet. I remember when I was in grade school and saw these trees for the first time in pictures, I saw the one of the car driving through one of them. It completely mesmerized me. I think they would be beautiful in person. I don't know, I've always kinda had a thing for things like this. I've always wanted to see these magnificent trees. Hopefully that dream will be fulfilled some day. If you'd like to read more about this forest you can here: About The Trees

There are so many beautiful things that are out there in nature. I used to dream of seeing so many different things. My husband and I have taken TONS of trips to see beautiful things. I enjoy taking trips like this with my husband. We've seen Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Mississippi River, and the Hoover Dam. We've also been to DC to see the White House, Arlington Cemetery, and several of the National Museums. We have taken a lot of trips in the 6 years we have been married. It's one of the things we really enjoy doing together. It's always fun doing things like that together!