tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21148901803019707382024-03-06T03:11:53.018-06:00Vacuum in PearlsThe New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-7235966901165905662012-04-23T12:06:00.002-05:002012-04-23T12:06:25.184-05:00I'm still alive...I just moved! After some reflection, time, and - oh yeah! - the birth of my son, I feel called to start again. Thank you so much for following me on this journey here :)<br />
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Please feel free to join me for a (slightly) new journey over <a href="http://iamvacuuminginpearls.blogspot.com/">HERE</a><br />
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Love and all that good stuff!<br />The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-42963970822300257242011-12-30T14:16:00.002-06:002011-12-30T14:27:10.105-06:00Right this SecondI'm sitting in one of my favorite chairs in the house, in flannel pajamas that came in a thoughtful Christmas package intended for Husband, stolen by me, and so big that they swallow me and the bump whole, drinking my favorite roast of starbucks coffee (decaf of course) that was on sale at the grocery store today, brewed in the french press I got for Christmas from my Daddy, with the delicious knowledge that this is day one in the second 4-day weekend in a row, while Husband is within arms reaching watching what promises to be one of many, many football games to be watched today and Baby Boy it poking what used to be my belly button. And I'm drinking in the overwhelming feeling of <em>comfort</em>.<br /><br />Yeah, my to-do list is pretty long, yep my nose is stuffy, yes I'm starring at a fully dressed Christmas tree that needs to retire today, yeah I need to get up like right now and put supper in the crokpot if we plan on eating it before bedtime, but right this second, everything is right with the world. And I am so very, very comfortable.<br /><br />Happy New Years Friends!<br /><br />P.S. I'm so freakin' excited about a fresh new year. I'll have to check back in soon with some of the ways I plan on filling it up :)The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-26413172516955890602011-11-16T20:07:00.003-06:002011-11-16T20:58:19.314-06:00Mercy<div align="center">"Who has given me anything that I need to give back..."<br />Job 41:11a</div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Occasionally, I have this tendency. Maybe (hopefully, cause I'd hate to be the only one) you do too. It's called, getting the idea in my head that God <em>owes</em> me something. As if attempting (and that's putting it politely) to be "good" and live in His will somehow entitles me to things. Things that I get all uppity about when I don't get them. Like when life's just the teensy-est bit hard or when things aren't perfect and I launch straight into "<em>Are you kidding me?!? C'mon</em>!"</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please don't stop reading because I sound like a horrible person right now. It's just my flesh, I know better, I promise. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">And it's not always. It's just the sort of thing that creeps in before you realize it's there in the first place. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyway, I was reading through Job, and if you can make it through Job's whining and his friends' preaching, it starts getting pretty freakin' awesome. Because God shows up and lets loose. And the verse from above hit my poor little human heart, and I might have audibly gasped a little at it's implications. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Because do you realize how preposterous it is to even begin to feel entitled when it comes to God? Like <em>He</em> owes <em>me</em> something? When it's actually the other way around and I owe Him absolutely everything, except that nothing I have to give even comes close to being anything He's worth? Yeah. Let that sink in for a second. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">But that's not even the best part. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">The best part is that He gives me a bunch of the stuff I feel "entitled" to <em>all the time</em>, even though He's completely aware that I'm being such a big misguided baby about it. And, and, He <em>doesn't </em>give me what I <em>actually </em>deserve, which (in case you were wondering) is a kick in the pants followed by an eternity without Him. That, my friends, is mercy.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Case in point:</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">My camera's been missing. And I know it's "just a camera" and there are <em>actual </em>tragedies occurring at this very moment, but I've basically been a basket case about it, because it's not the sort of thing you just "lose" and it's certainly not the kind of thing you just replace on a moment's notice, and I couldn't even begin to think of where else to look, and the holidays are coming up, and I'm going to have Baby, etc, etc, etc</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">So after a an emotional conversation about all the above, this is what followed...</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Me: (To God) <em>I know You don't owe me anything, and it's just a camera, and You've obviously got bigger things to do, but I'm feeling absolutely defeated about this, and</em> -</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Husband: Are you sure you checked under the cushions of the chair?</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Me: (To Husband, as I begin digging in the chair for the millionth time) Yes, I took all the cushions off, and dug all around, and - wait - there's a divot under here!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">And out came the camera I hadn't even finished praying about finding.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">That's just showing off.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">And some of you may be thinking "It's just a camera" and yeah, maybe it is just a camera, and not finding it wouldn't have been the end of the world. I'd still be happy and healthy and pregnant and blessed, BUT that's why, for this little pregnant lady in that moment of (albeit superficial) desperation, it <em>is</em> mercy.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Over the top, undeserved, mercy.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Is God awesome, or what?</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">If you're unsure, check out the book of Job, starting around chapter 38 :)</span></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-70426937422125686482011-11-15T09:00:00.001-06:002011-11-15T11:15:49.757-06:00Coffee and a ConfessionHey strangers! It's me. I know you may not remember me because, as I so often tend to do, I completely abandoned this poor little blog for awhile.
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<br />If we were really having coffee this morning, I would start by letting you share your heart because, when it gets to be my turn, I have a little confession to make. I would use the golden opportunity of some girl time to talk to you about my little blog here. I could give you a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't been around - especially in one of my favorite seasons to blog. I could say that it's because I'm growing a person and I simply don't have time for such things (untrue - not the person growing part, the other part -it's really not that time-consuming). I could say I just haven't had anything to say (also untrue, I have been cooking up a storm, and I freakin' love Fall!). I could say I just haven't felt like it (again, also untrue, I've been missing you guys).
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<br />No, the real reason I haven't been around is....I lost my camera. Yep. Because you can't write one of those "cool" blogs that people want to read unless you post "cool" photos with every post. I mean come on, everybody knows that. Hip blogger 101. Pretty silly, huh? But that's actually what's been swarming around in my mind. (Okay, this is the part where I play my pregnancy card to excuse myself for not firing on cylinders both mentally and emotionally, did it work?) So I guess you could more accurately say that I haven't been blogging because I've lost my focus.
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<br />About a kajillion of the bloggers I admire most attended Blog Sugar a few months back (of which, I am insanely jealous because, let's face it, I live on the other side of the country so that was totally not happening). A bunch of them came back and started blogging about purpose. How we all begin our blogs with one, whether we realize it or not, and how it can evolve over time, and how easy it is to lose sight of it. As embarrassing as it is to admit that I'm one of those people, somewhere along the way of collecting comments and counting followers, and throwing myself into every linky party I could find, and reading pots on "how to get your blog noticed," I couldn't even remember why I started blogging in the first place. Because, let's face it, I don't think any of us start our blogs with those things in mind. Heck, we're not even sure what most of those things are when we sign up for our very own blogger account. But we learn, and oh boy do we learn quick. (The English major in me wants to correct that to "quickly" but it doesn't pack quite as much punch. Just wanted you to know that I know it's not exactly correct)
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<br />And so, here I am. Photo-less and transparent. Because I really want to come back. I want to blog again. Do you know why I started this blog? Because I remember now. I started this blog because I wanted to be a better person. A better Wife, a better housekeeper, a better cook. A better enjoyer-of the little things in life. A person who lived in daily gratitude for my sweet house and my sweet husband, and for baking sweet things. And I wanted to help other people be those things too. I wanted to create a place where we could share that journey together, whether any of us succeeded in being June Cleaver or not. And if God wanted to occasionally use those things, all the better.
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<br />So here we go again, if you'd like to join me, I would love to have you! Because life is too short to do it alone and to do it without enjoying it. Where's the fun in that?
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<br />Hello little blog, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life...
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<br />P.S. Just to be clear, I'm not beginning to say that pictures, linky parties, etc are wrong - AT ALL! I'm merely speaking about MY intent. And I totally plan on utilizing both...as soon as I find that darned camera........I knew you'd understand :)
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<br /><<a href="http://www.amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee"><img src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/4679706648_2e6bbf7b37_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-79360165453374563502011-10-02T11:52:00.004-05:002011-10-02T19:43:10.355-05:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFibr_l8Bxz0cL4QxQCgPNzDpPfMazUhh66rlXjWj42p2IwW49hXYTSODY_2uFUh_IwcaN9rRqUyQh6k-VjgLAMf7uTXU3GsndVBtv1Dl7-5Xxiu0bnSU0Hz-mks-uoXg9dltVDF766s/s1600/happyfallbutton.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658939778710710354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFibr_l8Bxz0cL4QxQCgPNzDpPfMazUhh66rlXjWj42p2IwW49hXYTSODY_2uFUh_IwcaN9rRqUyQh6k-VjgLAMf7uTXU3GsndVBtv1Dl7-5Xxiu0bnSU0Hz-mks-uoXg9dltVDF766s/s400/happyfallbutton.jpg" /></a></ <div align="center"><em>My pumpkin stand trip last year</em></div>
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<br /><div align="center">Happy Sunday Friends! Have you been enjoying the season so far? I have! But I'll let you in on a little secret: the only yearly thing I love more than Fall, is...<span style="font-size:78%;">Christmas! </span></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em>Did she just say the "C" word in October? </em></div>
<br /><div align="center">Yes, she did, but she's making a point. </div>
<br /><div align="center">I've been jonesing, pretty badly, for "the most wonderful time of the year," but my parents raised me with a healthy respect for all seasons and I DO NOT indulge my Elfish tendancies until the turkey has been carved, Miracle of 34th Street has been shown, and Santa wraps up the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I know, my self-control is awe-inspiring. That, coupled with my recent realization of how fast time goes (a Baby in your tummy will do that) I've decided that, instead of wishing my second favorite season away, I'm going to throw myself headlong into all the festivities this lovely time of year has to offer. The way I see it, there are 53 days left to get it done.</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Sound like a plan?</div>
<br /><div align="center">That being said, I give you...</div>
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">To do this Fall:</span></div>
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<br /><div align="left">( ) Visit my favorite pumpkin stand</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Make caramel apples</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Use all the junk I already have to make bunches of fabulous decorations</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Find new comfort food recipes for cozy suppers</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Use all the old candle wax I've saved up to make my very own candles</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Make cinnamon rolls from scratch</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Have Trick or Treaters</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Come up with awesome preggo halloween costume</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Bake apple crisp</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Go to a home game in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!)</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) Make something for at least one of the many meals we will attend on Thanksgiving</div>
<br /><div align="left">( ) And finally, participate in this fabulous par-tay...
<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.muchlove-illy.blogspot.com/2011/09/october-follow-fest-part-aaaay-you-dont.html" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 139px; HEIGHT: 114px" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff441/WALDOROY/festbutton.jpg" width="154" height="118" /></a></p>
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<br /><div align="center">So, that's the plan of action.
<br /><div align="center">What do you think?
<br /><div align="center">What are some of the fabulous Fall things on your list?
<br /><div align="center">There's always room for more on mine :)</div></div></div></div></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-85408288388288117322011-09-24T15:26:00.003-05:002011-09-24T17:05:58.408-05:00Happy Fall!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwvVjZxC9sYb7aw479ap04nS62S-58UeSb5QzebEVQg2x4v6GnyxEAMx6I0WelylXhYNqNPPog1qlPb8v2Vd8uW2te_dHAwfqPhKoSuRlsZOi6rlcEXZnkmTMnyTH8oHAf7ovrzFqyUM/s1600/0923111153.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656025547530017330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwvVjZxC9sYb7aw479ap04nS62S-58UeSb5QzebEVQg2x4v6GnyxEAMx6I0WelylXhYNqNPPog1qlPb8v2Vd8uW2te_dHAwfqPhKoSuRlsZOi6rlcEXZnkmTMnyTH8oHAf7ovrzFqyUM/s400/0923111153.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div align="center">Hello Friends! It's Saturday, and better yet, the first Saturday of Fall.
<br /><div align="center">How did you celebrate yesterday?</div>
<br /><div align="center">I tried to soak it in. Alabama cooperated and gave us a bright cool day in honor of the occasion. I spent a lot of it grocery shopping, which may sound a little sad, but I get a secret kick out of it. I ran all over town in search of the best deals. Did you know that Target gives you a discount for bringing your own bags?!? Okay, so it's only five cents per bag, but this girl will take what she can get. As if I needed another reason to be in love with Target.</div>
<br /><div align="center">I took a beautiful lunch break - broccoli cheese soup, what else - to keep my strength up and go over my grocery list. (See picture above for deliciousness)</div>
<br /><div align="center">Then it was home for some hot cocoa, coffee, and girl talk with my sissies. Followed by cleaning like gang busters until Husband got home. We spent the rest of the evening at a local high school football game, armed with my chunkiest sweater and more hot chocolate. </div>
<br /><div align="center">*Insert cool picture of my bundled up legs, carafe, and football field that I meant to take, but forgot, cause that's what I do these days*</div>
<br /><div align="center">It just seemed like the perfect way to wrap up the first day of Fall.
<br /><div align="center">Hope yours was equally delightful.
<br /><div align="center">Stay tuned for my list of how I plan to absorb everything the season has to offer.
<br /><div align="center">Happy Saturday!</div>
<br />The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-3592347883089472742011-09-20T09:19:00.004-05:002011-09-20T13:09:11.226-05:00CoffeeGood morning friends, I'm so glad you're here! Time for coffee. Actually, this is my first coffee in awhile. Apparently Baby is more the Hot Cocoa type. Anyway, if you were here for coffee today I would ask if you mind if we watch Julie and Julia while I fold my laundry, since I can't ever seem to be able to decide what to wach when I end up with spare time and I just end up in a revolving door of about three or four movies so I don't have to make any decisions (other titles include: Sense and Sensibility, Meet Me in St. Louis, Run Fatboy Run, and, more recently, Tangled)<br /><br />We would probably discuss the weather, since I'm super excited about the coming of Fall. I got up super early this morning with Husband and it was still nice and dark as I ate a candlelit breakfast after he left for work. It started raining profusely, looked like it would never stop and, just like that, the sun came out. Crazy September. I'm still secretly keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be nice and crisp today. And you would probably agree with my because Fall is the best. I've been doing my very best to pace myself too. I think you would be proud of me. I haven't stopped at the pumpkin stand once! I haven't gotten any of my decorations out, I haven't even cracked open my October issue of Country Living. I have a will of steel.<br /><br />At this point I would probably excuse myself to use the ladies room for the fourth time or so. I love being pregnant though. Okay, so maybe I had a phase of over-thinking everything, and reading too far ahead in my books, freaking out a little that there is no way I can adhere to the suggested pregnancy diet, feeling like I need to be <em>doing</em> something. My intentions were good, I was just excited and wanted to do everything right. Luckily, it was brought to my attention by someone who loves me very much, which caused me to do some thinking and take a serious prenatal chill pill. I'm not making any promises that I will now be one of those perfect pregnant women that glow, and look cute and put together, and laugh in the face of prenatal to-do lists, however, I am going to rest in God and enjoy this process........and maybe wait a few more months before I start worrying about whether or not to use disposable diapers. Just sayin'.<br /><br />I would probably take this opportunity to brag on Husband a little. Cause let's face it, nobody makes me happier that man. I mean, come on, he's a keeper. It's okay to be jealous.<br /><br />And what about you, friend? What have you been up to? And, after you answered that, it would be over. So sad. But laundry's calling, and I've got dinner to prep. What's on your to do list today?<br /><br />I'm so glad you stopped by for coffee, have a fabulous Tuesday Friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/4679706648_2e6bbf7b37_m.jpg" /></a></p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-49155315183905880032011-09-19T08:32:00.004-05:002011-09-19T08:42:11.447-05:00Weekending<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvg_nJJIYCL0D92DydOXbm6LEMYkirC3PQKn1DVhuKIAh0kRyByRBEEuBvfM3UiEQC2C6XtBPJwOGsHzx3yeX88FchGM4h6aGLnTkzUYoUINzlGW2QVa5H_oqvC-nguWcb_-LpxAvavo/s1600/DSCN0454a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654063686806052706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvg_nJJIYCL0D92DydOXbm6LEMYkirC3PQKn1DVhuKIAh0kRyByRBEEuBvfM3UiEQC2C6XtBPJwOGsHzx3yeX88FchGM4h6aGLnTkzUYoUINzlGW2QVa5H_oqvC-nguWcb_-LpxAvavo/s320/DSCN0454a.jpg" /></a> Nothing like homemade roadies and (winning) college football watching for a Saturday.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">How was your weekend?</div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/search/label/life%20made%20lovely%20mondays"><img border="0" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/lifemadelovelybutton.png" /></a></center>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-39971399978322087352011-09-15T09:44:00.007-05:002011-09-15T21:52:24.806-05:00Blog LoveOne of the most precious bloggers I know recently awarded me this...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652597578598168738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJXstb8zl_aU1DcmDnilY6Qm7jHwUUNgp78bDZB_TmxH_aCgevmISYblpz6R1DMcvjvgPlrPkdjsEGAvzwO1VhXtfXNwmvTPZyjaVr0UoLCgVsfyqcsv56B7USrgymfMWfk6vPb4179M/s200/blog+award.png" /><br /><br /><p align="center">You should definitely go see <a href="http://breeannbowers.blogspot.com/">Breeann</a> like, right this second!</p><br /><br /><p align="left"><br /></p><br /><p>The rules for this award are:<br /><br />1. List 7 random facts about myself<br />2. Link back to the sweetheart who gave me the award<br />3. Pass it on to 8 other sweethearts<br /><br />Randomness...<br /><br />1. Fall is my favorite season (after Christmas, duh!). Something about the cool weather, and the soup eating, and the pumpkins, and the baking, and the sweaters. I don't know, just seems mighty festive, no?<br /><br />2. Before I got married, I had never sat through an entire televised sporting event, and only a handful of live ones. Then I married a man who wakes up to ESPN, plays fantasy sports, and is a faithful southern college football fan. I really just participated in the beginning to humor him....but the truth is.....it kinda grew on me...a little....okay, a lot.<br /><br />3. I used to hate ketchup. Everything about it. Now that I'm pregnant, I could eat Idaho out of french fries, just so I could eat them with ketchup. Only with french fries though.<br /><br />4. My only pregnancy food aversion is fried fish ala Captain D's or Long John Silver. Weird too, cause I used to LOVE it. But now, just typing this is making me feel icky...<br /><br />5. I recently got a library card for the first time in almost three years. I might be a little bit of a fine collector....keeping track of things is not really my forte. However, it's a new day and I'm attempting to rack up some responsibility. In fact, I need to return some today.<br /><br />6. Between my childhood and High School years I wanted to be a teacher, lawyer, baker, actor, novelist, singer, journalist, store owner, wedding planner, personal assistant, psychologist, and Homeschool Mom. So far only the Mommy part is sticking.<br /><br />7. I got my wisdom teeth out almost a year ago, at 22-years-old. Despite my "David after the dentist" expectations, I didn't say anything funny when I came too. I cried - uncontrollably. Apparently it's a common side effect for women<br /><br />And now my lucky ladies...<br /><br />1. Melinda at Fine as Frog Hairs<br />2. Ariel at Void Between the Stars<br />3. The Frat Pack + Me</p><br /><br /><p>4. Heather at Life Made Lovely<br />5. Alyss at Roots<br />6. Mandy at Mandipidy<br />7. Heather at Finding Beauty in Ordinary<br /><br />Have a great Thursday Friends!</p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-91006827102171455092011-09-14T20:17:00.004-05:002011-09-14T20:32:59.072-05:00HormonesSo, I had what I would consider my first real pregnancy-fueled, emotional, mood swing today (okay, except for the fact that I may, or may not, have cried watching "Tangled" yesterday).<br /><br />It wasn't over anything major, of course. Just an ecstatic morning, moderate noon, and an afternoon of being tempted to tears. And then something kind of amazing happened. God showed up. He reminded me that, pregnant or not, I am not a slave to my emotions. He reminded me that there was a roast waiting for me in the crockpot at home. That work is not forever. That those little twinges in my tummy is the precious Baby I've been waiting on. That Fall is coming, and it's pretty gorgeous. That Husband's red truck would be waiting in the driveway when I got home, and his arms would be waiting inside. And mostly, that He loves me, and His strength is perfected in my weakness.<br /><br />And I realized, maybe "bad days" aren't really worth the energy....<br /><br />p.s. Figured out what happened to my sidebars. From now on, if you're looking for followers, labels, etc you can find them at the bottom :)The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-40168432873001484602011-09-07T17:42:00.001-05:002011-09-07T17:43:49.150-05:00S.O.S.Um, not sure exactly what I did to merit such a response..but...Blogger ate my sidebars! Does anyone more versed in Blogger know what the issue might be, and how I can fix it? Thanks Friends!The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-13262908914165767052011-09-06T14:29:00.002-05:002011-09-06T14:47:04.861-05:00First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes....<div align="center">A <span style="font-size:180%;"><em>bun</em></span> in the oven!<br /><br />*Insert picture of me (which sadly does not exsist) and my newly developed and completely adorable baby bump*</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I was waiting for a cute picture before I posted, but heck, I can't find my camera and a girl can only wait so long. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">After a wonderful marriage of almost three years with the man of my dreams, our little family is finally expanding. We are due in March, which means we're just peeking our heads into the second trimester, which is especially exciting since our first trimester was a little bumpy. And of course while I'm typing this I can hardly believe that this is really happening - God is so good! There has been so much baby buzz going around, most exciting some heartbreaking, that it makes me feel especially grateful, humbled, and a little amazed that God would see fit to bestow such a blessing on us. I cannot wait to see where this little journey leads!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I know I've been absent awhile. I was going to blame it on the baby thing, since it was a pretty huge secret and I'm pretty terrible at keeping my own secrets, but let's be honest, I've been away a bit longer than that. And I've missed you. I don't really have an excuse. Maybe it was because (and this may shock some of you) Summer doesn't really inspire me that much (see, told you). I'm really more of a cold weather girl. In the summer, I basically just sit around and melt....and read other people's blogs. But now that it's September, and the Alabama weather has condescended to lower itself to about 60-degrees, and I'm sitting here in my scarf, and it's almost time to make apple crsip, I can make a fresh start. Plus, I now have a new and never-ending pool of inspiration growing inside me. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">What do you think?</div><br /><div align="center">What fresh things are you beginning with this change of the seasons?</div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-67691687443448768152011-06-16T09:06:00.002-05:002011-06-16T10:22:04.581-05:00Periods of Peace<div align="center"><em>Why do bad things happen?</em></div>
<br /><div align="left">That's the million dollar question isn't it? That's what everyone wants to know. Why does God let bad things happen? And to "good" people no less! I've been there.</div>
<br /><div align="left">Funny thing is, we never seem to look around and ask why <strong>good</strong> things happen. When things are going well, do I take the time to seek God's purpose?
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="left">2 Chronicles talks about the life of Asa, one of the only (mostly) good kings of Judah. His reign was fraught with war and turmoil, but then in 2 Chronicles 14:5-6 it says,</div>
<br /><div align="left">
<br /><div align="left"><em>"...So Asa's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace. During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies."</em></div>
<br /><div align="left">
<br /></div>
<br /><p align="left">King Asa was given a "period of peace" by God and instead of sitting on his hands, or reveling in his free time, he got to work preparing for the future. He fortified and built up when he didn't need it, so that he would be prepared when he did. God knew what future struggle Asa would face, and He knew that he would need time to prepare, to build up his defenses.</p>
<br /><p align="left">God has blessed me with some amazing seasons of life. I am so incredibly blessed! But the second I'm faced with a "rough patch," when my emotions get the best of me, when the enemy attacks, it is so incredibly easy to just start floundering around like it's the end of the world. You know why? Because my defenses are weak. In the periods of peace that my God has blessed me with, I waste time. Instead of resting in Him, stocking up on scripture, and seeking the Spirit to fill me, I sit on my hands. Not to say that life is all work, that God doesn't want me to enjoy what He's given, that I have the power in myself to make life go the way I want. Nope, nope, and super nope. No, it's just that God wants more for me than a good time. More than ease. It's better than that. God wants me to live a life of purpose, a life worthy of His call. A life of peace that's not dependant on my circumstances. And that is only found by letting Him fill me - in good times and bad. God has known everything about me since before the world began. He knows what I need and when I'll need it. What an amazing God!</p>
<br /><p align="left">Wherever we are today, on the battlefield or in green pastures, I hope we take a minute to look around and ask God, "What do you want from me while I'm here?"</p>
<br /><p align="left">Have a fabulous day friends!
<br />xoxo</p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-54266951261010971902011-06-15T16:51:00.003-05:002011-06-15T17:02:55.138-05:00The Now, Dahhling<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TLokjDEsJtH8NqhXnQvun2bjhWUPDRh2gkS8bIvqdxsrvwDkQjZb8E5JCLvPI7scI7pqgHL2dgSADrJhU2H_PECJQW9xf4aU_b_LJecaIPWcfh6YqvfZxXqMG2bKoqrhYGjSKNIJf6Y/s1600/key_edna.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618567626262931826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TLokjDEsJtH8NqhXnQvun2bjhWUPDRh2gkS8bIvqdxsrvwDkQjZb8E5JCLvPI7scI7pqgHL2dgSADrJhU2H_PECJQW9xf4aU_b_LJecaIPWcfh6YqvfZxXqMG2bKoqrhYGjSKNIJf6Y/s200/key_edna.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808405432&cf=pg&photoid=545027&intl=us"><span style="font-size:78%;">source</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><em>"I never look back darling, it distracts from the now"</em></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div>Funny how easy it is to get dsitracted from the now, huh? Personally, my now is pretty amazing, but it's hard to realize that when I'm busy running to and fro. So, why not have a blog feature dedicated to soaking in "the now," no? So, now......<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">South Pacific. Popcorn. </div><br /><div align="center">"<em>I'm as corny as Kansas in Augsut, I'm as normal as blueberry pie!</em>" </div><br /><div align="center">Iced chai sweet tea. Fan blowing.</div><br /><div align="center">Off work early. Coupon madness. Husband almost home.</div><br /><div align="center">Mentally preparing myself to run the dickens out of the treadmill at the gym.</div><br /><div align="center">Happiness.</div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-37045348026272714472011-05-29T21:50:00.002-05:002011-05-29T21:57:20.320-05:00Quick Hello<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpJvW21thjB8Tc-oJmSV__xUzKn82umzGnNxBgNEPJ1hnaeir8wHvpz8-1gHi7G8loWpeUoTL4mV9LZWTpSEraEPz3Op6yaE30rmdVOiH2PNf2EkztUTK3_Jahm_TX9pNqB1LJs6dZVQ/s1600/DSCN0405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612336702862337810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpJvW21thjB8Tc-oJmSV__xUzKn82umzGnNxBgNEPJ1hnaeir8wHvpz8-1gHi7G8loWpeUoTL4mV9LZWTpSEraEPz3Op6yaE30rmdVOiH2PNf2EkztUTK3_Jahm_TX9pNqB1LJs6dZVQ/s320/DSCN0405.JPG" /></a> Hello friends!</div><br /><div align="center">I know, I've been pretty absent this month, and honestly don't have that much time to hang out now, but I just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm still alive and well.</div><br /><div align="center">Very well.</div><br /><div align="center">Husband and I have kicked off our long weekend right, and it's been lovely.</div><br /><div align="center">For now, I'm enjoying some "Moose Tracks."</div><br /><div align="center">I originally bought it as a pick-me-up for Husband...until I realized that he's a man, and therefore basically immune to edible pick-me-ups, haha.</div><br /><div align="center">Ice cream for moral support's more my domain.</div><br /><div align="center">Oh well, any excuse for ice cream, no?</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">How are you?</div><br /><div align="center">Have a delicious holiday weekned, and I should be seeing you for coffee on Tuesday!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-58505876166169621552011-05-10T13:12:00.002-05:002011-05-10T13:17:06.658-05:00Coffee Date<div align="center">If we were really having coffee this morning, you'd probably want to roll up your sleeves...<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh5t3LywDSbsDYsobxpRdchp8XrAs8ebPOe4IzUZBdEPXEsq3wWs8DQ4ooKKSy8tV0C3vIscd22npDmyRWWfIBANEYKIGIudWf3ZW22YaKyhx5uL3nvuv2C_z6wVDk3HexgAzyMrqXNI/s320/DSCN0261.JPG" /><br />Coffee, Josh Turner, and getting my clean on!<br /><br />What are you up to today?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/4679706648_2e6bbf7b37_m.jpg" /></a></p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-61581808141631125792011-05-10T08:20:00.003-05:002011-05-10T08:45:35.021-05:00Recipe Swap!<div align="center">Good morning! It's such a beautiful day here today! I hope your weather is fine too.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">What are you planning for your Tuesday?<br /></div><br /><div align="center">One thing I'm planning?</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Recipe exchange!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">One of my bloggy idols, Casey Wiegand, is hosting a Tuesday recipe swap and I'm joining in!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Even though it's about a million degrees outside, I just haaave to post this cozy recipe. I waited my entire life to cook homey meals for my husband, and then started running out of ideas pretty quickly. After one epic chicken 'n' dumplings fail, I got my girlfriend to give me her recipe, and it rocks! In fact, it tastes just like my sweet, late, Granny's recipe. Obviously, I can't be greedy with gold like this, so here you go!</div><br /><div align="center"><br />"Granny's" Chicken 'n' Dumplings...<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605079414595224802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hDEfKOX922piSlLLsscNeRHyIt-87ZELNFSVPljZ2TeHtH7QFr02jp9vrVdBEfshOyGCdcmJEYNGkkuEGBRmpzva3irpuuNcGQVv0Jz-g7Ss8PmTOJ7l3-CITTpDLpi8z8snz_p2iqY/s320/DSCN0221.JPG" /><br />Ingredients:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>1 4-5 lb. chicken (this recipe is for two, plus leftovers, but you could easily make it for more)</li><br /><li>2 cups flour</li><br /><li>2 1/4 Tablespoons shortening</li><br /><li>1 cup ice water</li><br /><li>1 Tablespoon butter</li><br /><li>1/4 cup milk</li></ul><br /><ol><br /><li>Wash the chicken and boil over medium-high heat in 5-7 cups of water, and simmer for one hour.</li><br /><li>Take out the chicken and shred (caution: that chicken will be <em>boiling hot! </em>If you want, the recipe can be followed up until this point and refrigerated for up to a few days). Set aside.</li><br /><li>Knead together flour and shortening until doughy. Add ice water. Using two spoons, drop dumpling dough by rough tablespoons into boiling broth. Be sure to "mash" the dumplings often (after every five or so) so they don't get dense.</li><br /><li>Add chicken back to dumpling broth and add butter and milk, to make it creamy. Simmer for 15 minutes on low. </li><br /><li>Salt to taste and enjoy!</li></ol><br /><p>Good luck and happy cooking!<br /></p><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thewiegands.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb380/CaseyWiegand/mini_starburst_punch_grid_4-3.jpg" /></a></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-37401637436142831092011-05-05T09:02:00.003-05:002011-05-05T09:26:25.899-05:00A New Feature: I am Walker, hear me roar<div align="center">Okay, so most of you who have been around for awhile know that I don't do very well with feature posts. As previously stated, finishing things is a bit of an issue for me, and anything that requires consistency can easily be discarded. But I'm going to try again. Walker informed me today that if I'm going to spend so much time sitting in "his" chair and blogging that he deserves the right to express himself. Fair enough....</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH2SXQd_2PpdmhcHmxwbpxD6Gh3dseBXrvccg_5CAXwF36hxGAERx9JMMpWZGlLkNsPIiiGxbGQ3VTo_NRP3-wf3bFG4iPcRJdBWNUIrdcJmJl8W3XDIVmAqsXD1Ypb_LlMhNmjXAG9o/s1600/DSCN0004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603232813718372786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH2SXQd_2PpdmhcHmxwbpxD6Gh3dseBXrvccg_5CAXwF36hxGAERx9JMMpWZGlLkNsPIiiGxbGQ3VTo_NRP3-wf3bFG4iPcRJdBWNUIrdcJmJl8W3XDIVmAqsXD1Ypb_LlMhNmjXAG9o/s320/DSCN0004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p align="left">Dear Friends,</p><br /><p align="left">I am Walker, it's nice to meet you. I know Mom has mentioned me a couple times, but it's only fair that I get a chance to defend myself against any impressions you may have gotten of how things roll around here. </p><br /><p align="left">For starters, I've been here a lot longer than Mom. I used to give her a hard time about that, but it's actually really nice having her around. She might be my favorite. Just don't tell her I said so. I wouldn't want Dad to think I was a momma's boy....which I am. He reminds me pretty often that I'm no longer a "Man Kitty" as it is, and it's kind of embarrassing. We're buddies though. I try to impress him by defending them against twisty ties and flying bugs. No really, the twisty tie threat level in this house is a secure green thanks to me. They should be grateful.</p><br /><p align="left">But to be honest, I sleep about 18 hours a day and the rest of the time is divided between lounging on the windowsill, eating, being pet my Mom, watching sports with Dad, batting at birds and bugs through the window, and getting into things I'm "not supposed to." I don't really understand what this phrase means, but I think it has something to do with the kitchen counters, dining room table, outside, and the guest room. In my defense, the "guest room" doesn't seem all that special. Mom goes through phases where she spends blocks of time in there, but I don't really see any difference. She shut me in there today. I'm certain it was an accident. I tried to play it cool...until it had been about fifteen minutes and I got a little worried that she might need me for something. I only cried a little. I just wanted to remind her where I was. I was just trying to protect her. There could have been a twisty tie invasion, and she would have been defenseless.</p><br /><p align="left">Well Friends, I need to get going. Big agenda to keep and all. Thank you again for the opportunity of chatting with you. See you soon.</p><br /><p align="left">Sincerely,</p><br /><p align="left">Walker</p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-24207586058918378992011-05-03T20:24:00.003-05:002011-05-04T08:06:24.247-05:00Who Me?<div align="center">Guess what, guess what, guess what?</div><br /><div align="center">My one of my sweet bloggy idols actually gave me an award!</div><br /><p align="center">Thank you <a href="http://gingerbreadgirl5.blogspot.com/">April,</a> that was so sweet!<br /></p><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zixkZYC1qlimdbyzsCFjGrShiNaZhzp4vdgg8RKJMlxqMlImiYBsyegwRM-HbqDy3Zpga3pvqt33NUmnhz6Yl4ilgW-qhSUz8XCSoK6FqV9VNMzrUcZcGknsZfUjx9n3xE2LbB8lyohy/s1600/VersatileBloggerAward.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zixkZYC1qlimdbyzsCFjGrShiNaZhzp4vdgg8RKJMlxqMlImiYBsyegwRM-HbqDy3Zpga3pvqt33NUmnhz6Yl4ilgW-qhSUz8XCSoK6FqV9VNMzrUcZcGknsZfUjx9n3xE2LbB8lyohy/s1600/VersatileBloggerAward.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a>Here are the rules:<br />1.} Thank and link back to the blog that gave you your award<br />2.} Share seven things about yourself<br />3.} Award 5 great bloggers<br />4.} Contact the bloggers to let them know you've given them an award<br /><br /><br />Here are my 7 things about myself:<br /><br />1. I am a terrific self-starter....just not quite as good at self-finishing. No one really talks about that part. I love new beginnings, organizing, and such. I just find myself organizing and cleaning and decorating the same spaces over and over (coughguestroomcough) because I can never seem to get over a certain point. They say self-awareness is half the battle, though, so I'm on my way!</p><br /><p align="center">2. I was raised right outside of Seattle, Washington so coffee is more like a ritual than a beverage to me. I used to be kind of a snob about it, but I've reformed. Okay, some people would say I've learned to settle, haha. But hey, sometimes, you just need a decent cup of coffee.</p><br /><p align="center">3. While we're on the subject, my parents owned a coffee shop for a short season, and ever since I've had the itch to own my own business. A store, or bakery, or cafe, or something. I don't really like working, though, so I would probably change my mind. And let's be honest, it's mostly when I see pretty office supplies or custom business cards, haha.</p><br /><p align="center">4. I love to read, but I don't do very much of it. Here's why: I just graduated with an English degree and it's hard for me to justify reading good, interesting, slightly fluffy modern novels (read: what I really want to read) when there are so many classics I haven't read yet. I've yet to find that balance between the two, so I usually end up reading nothing. Sad, right? I think the simplest thing to do is just to alternate the two. Don't you agree?</p><br /><p align="center">5. Right now I work outside of home, because I can, but what I really dream of is being an "at home" mom. That's what my Momma did, and it's what I've always wanted to do. My Momma also homeschooled us, and I think I'd like to homeschool as well, but Bama Man and I have decided to Cross that bridge when we come to it.</p><br /><p align="center">6. I play the piano. I am one of those kids who were encouraged, told, commanded to practice....and didn't really. So all my years of lessons have landed me with just enough knowledge to haltingly play...and teach a 7-year-old to play better than I can (which I do). So let this be a lesson to all children currently in lessons - practice! You'll thank me later.</p><br /><p align="center">7. I used to be one of those girls who loved big houses with foyers, and "entertaining space," and stair cases, etc. Even though I'm not sure I'm cut out to be the first lady, the idea of living in the White House used to make me swoon. Not so anymore. Maybe it was discovering Antrhopologie. Or maybe I'm going back to my roots of being an almost-city girl. Whatever the cause, I am just in love with the loft apartment, reasonably-sized house type space crammed with the organized clutter of coziness. You know what I mean? No mansion for this girl, thank you very much.</p><br /><br /><p align="center">So there you have it! The lovely bloggers upon whom I am bestowing this award are...</p><br /><br /><p align="center">1. Ariel @ <a href="http://voidbetweenthestars.blogspot.com/">voidbetweenthestars</a></p><br /><p align="center">2. Melinda @ <a href="http://fineasfroghairprimitives.blogspot.com/">fineasfroghair</a></p><br /><p align="center">3. <a href="http://4mahoneys.blogspot.com/">fratpack+me</a></p><br /><p align="center">4. Casey @ <a href="http://thewiegands.blogspot.com/">TheWiegands</a></p><br /><p align="center">5. Emily @ <a href="http://babycoverspage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry'sblog</a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">April, thanks again! And thanks to anyone who reads this blog, leaves comments, etc. I don't say it enough, but it means a lot to me! Go see these lovely ladies, I Adore them! And have a wonderful Wednesday - two more days until the weekend!</p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-84874419518504462462011-05-03T08:28:00.008-05:002011-05-03T09:38:30.676-05:00Coffe Date<div align="center">Good morning Friends! If we were <em>really</em> having coffee today...</div><br /><div align="center">I wouldn't really know where to begin.</div><br /><div align="center">Yes I would, I would begin my mentioning how amazingly grateful I am for this coffee this morning.</div><br /><div align="center">For those of you who don't know, last Wednesday, April 27th, Alabama (Where Bama Man and I live, in case that's never been clear) was hit with the greatest natural tragedy the state has seen this side of modern technology. The tornadoes left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and over a million without power. It was considered a State and Federal Disaster and we began picking up the pieces.</div><br /><div align="center">Bama Man and I have been without electricity for the last five days, which is why I've been absent, but we, and everyone we know and love made it through unscathed (both sets of our parents never even lost power) and praising God that He allowed this trial to pass over us!</div><br /><div align="center">It has been such a privilege to join with our church and the EMA to help those who have lost so much more than utilities! The church (the body, not the buildings) of Alabama has kicked into high gear, and done everything possible to give comfort and aid to the many hurting in our community.</div><br /><div align="center">I'm thanking God that He has allowed my senses to be heightened. How important my friends and family are, how spoiled I've become having Bama Man home with me for the last week, how much I love my house, how nice it is to have a safe cat taking up my space in this chair, how blessed I am to have a husband who has given us enough financial security to make it through crisis, how much I am going to enjoy vacuuming now that our power has returned. How much He loves us! Not because He shielded us from this tragedy, but because He would have been with us either way.</div><br /><div align="center">What are you grateful for this morning? :)</div><br /><div align="center">If you would like to help those in need here in Alabama, please go to <a href="http://www.redcross.org/">redcross.org</a> to find out how to donate. Thank you so much!<br /></div><br /><div align="center">On a lighter note, Bama Man and I have learned to love our "Amish Experience."</div><br /><div align="center">My activities this week have included, but are not limited to:</div><br /><div align="center">Dinners over candlelight, one game of Rummy, reading through a book and a half, organizing our bookshelf so that <strong>all </strong>of our books fit, laying contact paper in (most of) the kitchen cabinets, cleaning and organizing the study, also...<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602492991680513586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaog6CmT23LBodCFuK_iG0CSGFKsrEPsK7NCRIg0l-VW4QWP2aagmxSVKTRE33I32JMUjyF_hbp9T5Op7_I7nNZQMkCbWItnDJxJuAgZD1C_hAEj9kHg-VkibAg9rugr1IbKWk_aA9BU/s320/DSCN0388.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Walker made a froggy friend (see him hanging on the screen?)....who he then tried very hard to kill and could not, with the window and all. Nice try Walker.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602491896846766850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IjcEJn5r-i_3KV8H9onkxesPZpE0s2QzhN4CrzOMIAVp_LRU2kdHXYk_Sn_bM_6iP-Yp5o9BRsFJOnnyhLp6WQ8eyRWE4abSJJ59w37pj3yViLTpwgvgDXdWQZHOnywvk5S_J2skf1Y/s320/DSCN0380.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">About a hundred games of solitaire, the old-fashioned way, of which I won a few...</p><br /><br /><p align="center">And possible the <em>piece de resistance</em>,</p><br /><p align="center">Grilling cinnamon rolls!<br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602491893958844130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevI5-tOrPrejm_VtLckfQGoUy7_sxfI3hwz2oA5iLt2Iw5_LIcz2IOBuKPJS_dJUuoWLv3CY7GWxXbuEAJoPP3yqnvRmV264daGmAAymaLoa33vgOe3NLoChG4-PXhjjDqvIO6o39Uwc/s320/DSCN0381.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Ingenuitive, no?<br /></p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602490496456042402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTYZrMnI4VLuZJCeJckmgW04B7CmhzhLqVhKx_QwWTIv0L9VAQTtFNlKjmFwYOe4rpdIrT6xW7hHOuDpQbBg4cyLRDNgj5gY4EDAui5mOgUTYJSGaeWFfeeVx-LFAfJNiaxo1eb1p0dU/s320/DSCN0383.JPG" /> </p><br /><br /><p align="center">It worked too!<br />Sure there was a little scorching, and a touch of charbroiled flavor, but they were still delicious!</p><br /><br /><p align="center">Bama Man, thank you for being adventurous, and not looking at me like I was crazy when I suggested this...and also, for pulling it off! You're the best :)<br /><br />What would you have to share today, friends?</p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">I hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday! </p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/4679706648_2e6bbf7b37_m.jpg" /></a><br /></p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-55149275402952258312011-04-26T08:19:00.003-05:002011-04-26T08:59:15.742-05:00Coffee Date<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxqrZHV8Yjxt6NcaT6wKmS_rSQGWaPvfKIsl-EHAnKtbZ6frhpvKc7zGhOtnHMQO5uujasqWkOiISxpvA80YI8xVVYWp-NkHihLp8JSE08ZZWJw6xLnDsqoam1VtmmY87_QcyysPU4O4/s1600/0426110754.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599881658791251042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxqrZHV8Yjxt6NcaT6wKmS_rSQGWaPvfKIsl-EHAnKtbZ6frhpvKc7zGhOtnHMQO5uujasqWkOiISxpvA80YI8xVVYWp-NkHihLp8JSE08ZZWJw6xLnDsqoam1VtmmY87_QcyysPU4O4/s320/0426110754.jpg" /></a>Good Morning Friends!</div><br /><div align="center">I could say, good, rainy, yucky, slightly blustery morning</div><br /><div align="center">but let's focus on the positive, shall we?</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If we were really meeting here for coffee today</div><br /><div align="center">you would have found out that I have an addiction.</div><br /><div align="center">To coffee mugs.</div><br /><div align="center">It's true.</div><br /><div align="center">I have dozens of them!</div><br /><div align="center">Bama Man and I have agreed it's okay.</div><br /><div align="center">And one reason it's okay is because</div><br /><div align="center">almost all of them have some sort of sentimental significance.</div><br /><div align="center">So I figured, since you will probably see me with </div><br /><div align="center">a different mug each week, </div><br /><div align="center">you might as well know why :)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">This one, for example is from our trip to Disneyland.</div><br /><div align="center">Bama Man and I made the trek to California</div><br /><div align="center">last year for the National Champoinship Game.</div><br /><div align="center">The game was great, we won, that was exciting.</div><br /><div align="center">The <em>true</em> prize for me?</div><br /><div align="center">My sweet husband took me to Disney!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">We may not have covered this before in our relationship,</div><br /><div align="center">but I'm a little bit of a sentimental sucker</div><br /><div align="center">when it comes to Disney.</div><br /><div align="center">I grew up with bi-yearly trips to Disneyworld,</div><br /><div align="center">idolized the princesses,</div><br /><div align="center">and generally fed my hopeless romantic streak</div><br /><div align="center">with the "magic" of the "Happiest Place on Earth."</div><br /><div align="center">But something was missing.</div><br /><div align="center">I hadn't been there with my "Prince" yet.</div><br /><div align="center">Until last year!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">We chose California Adventure</div><br /><div align="center">since it was a new experience for both of us.</div><br /><div align="center">And it was fabulous!</div><br /><div align="center">So obviously, it was worth celebrating with a mug.</div><br /><div align="center">Inside it has this quote from Walt,</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">"To all that come to this happy place;welcome."</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Love it!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">So, what are you up to today?</div><br /><div align="center">I've alotted out my morning off with </div><br /><div align="center">a reasonable balance of housework and frivilous activity.</div><br /><div align="center">I gave up daytime television (including movies)</div><br /><div align="center">for Lent, and I thought long and hard</div><br /><div align="center">about how to indulge this morning.</div><br /><div align="center">After browsing our DVDs, cable, and Netflix</div><br /><div align="center">I just ended up with</div><br /><div align="center">"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"</div><br /><div align="center">...again.</div><br /><div align="center">I know, it's not super exciting.</div><br /><div align="center">If you missed how I feel about this movie,</div><br /><div align="center">you can check it out <a href="http://vacuuminpearls.blogspot.com/2011/03/coffee-date.html">here.</a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Did you enjoy breaking your Lent fast (if you had one)?</div><br /><div align="center">How did you do it?</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">My clothing <a href="http://vacuuminpearls.blogspot.com/p/clothing-project.html">project</a></div><br /><div align="center">has been particularly un-fun recently.</div><br /><div align="center">But I got to wear my favorite dress</div><br /><div align="center">in the whole world on Easter Sunday,</div><br /><div align="center">so I felt a little better.</div><br /><div align="center">The truth is, I've been finding quite</div><br /><div align="center">a few treasures hidden away in my own closet.</div><br /><div align="center">I've been meaning to show you a few of them.</div><br /><div align="center">Maybe I'll get a</div><br /><div align="center">"what I wore Wednesday"</div><br /><div align="center">out tomorrow.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Well, it's on to maintaining my wonderful house.</div><br /><div align="center">Enjoy your Tuesday Friends!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Guess what?</div><br /><div align="center">Good news:</div><br /><div align="center">The caffine in your cup of coffee this morning</div><br /><div align="center">has raised your resting metablic rate</div><br /><div align="center">by about 15% </div><br /><div align="center">which means you can burn</div><br /><div align="center">up to an extra 50 calories today.</div><br /><div align="center">So drink up!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNnAeULTxDHnuqw_S91Eboazw8QR4d3W8iA5Uv-9O1ujvyAvuE6v4M1qczwyODp0iSGZDlu34lGm21VxLMhE258RYzTjik21URO-ym8y0IpeCzPDdN3ZAJnZSwC1RKFs3w_-F69rZrrM/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/4679706648_2e6bbf7b37_m.jpg" /></a></p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-84883832073661217012011-04-21T13:15:00.004-05:002011-04-21T14:17:16.332-05:00Today is Thursday...<div align="center">I'm just reminding myself since it seems
<br /><div align="center">I've been misplacing myself in my week.
<br /><div align="center">Does that ever happen to you? It does to me.
<br /><div align="center">A lot.
<br />
<br /><div align="center">For one thing, I've been pretty busy. Not with anything unusual,
<br /><div align="center">just the normal stuff.
<br /><div align="center">Making sure our house is pleasant place to come home to,
<br /><div align="center">keeping the cat alive,
<br /><div align="center">attempting to sculpt some muscle out of this wimpy body via the gym,
<br /><div align="center">bringing home a paycheck.
<br /><div align="center">Just that stuff.</div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">And then there's the fact I've been sublimely happy.
<br /><div align="center">I know it sounds crazy.
<br /><div align="center">I kind of feel like I shouldn't even say (type) that out loud.
<br /><div align="center">There's certainly a combination of factors going on here,
<br /><div align="center">but I'll let you in on a good secret for starting out.</div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">Ask God for stuff.</div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">No, not like the vending machine,
<br /><div align="center">"Can I have a million dollars?" sort of thing.
<br /><div align="center">Stuff you know He <em>already</em> wants you to have...
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center">An overwhelming sense of His presence.
<br /><div align="center">The strength to do what I cannot do by yourself.
<br /><div align="center">The ability to love well.
<br /><div align="center">The assurance that my worth is secure in Him.
<br /><div align="center">The wisdom to conciously make the right choices.
<br /><div align="center">(especially when I don't feel like it)
<br /><div align="center">The power to pray.
<br /><div align="center">Peace.
<br /><div align="center">Joy.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center">Before we go getting any ideas that I've <em>actually</em> figured any of this out, let's nip it in the bud and say: <em>yeah right.</em>
<br /><div align="center">I've messed up a lot this week (...day...hour)
<br /><div align="center">But I can feel it beginning.
<br /><div align="center">He is gently showing me how I could be, what life could be like,
<br /><div align="center">as I allow Him to cultivate these things in me.
<br /><div align="center">He is so faithful
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center">And I realize I'm not always going to be on the "gentle-mercy lesson plan."
<br /><div align="center">Sometimes His lessons are the tough love sort.
<br /><div align="center">Sometimes things don't "work out."
<br /><div align="center">Okay, let's face it, sometimes our fallen world sucks.
<br /><div align="center">I'm not saying any of that is any less true.
<br /><div align="center">He is quite possibly preparing me for battle.
<br /><div align="center">But He's allowing me to learn in "green pastures" right now,
<br /><div align="center">where blessings are obvious and I know I can feel Him.</div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">And I am loving every minute!
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center">On a lesser note....
<br />
<br /><div align="center">Last night I had my first experience with the show, "Extreme Couponing."
<br /><div align="center">Poor Bama Man had to sit there while I
<br /><div align="center">boomeranged from excited to envious to disgusted
<br /><div align="center">and back.
<br /><div align="center"></div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center">As a "couponer" who tries pretty hard and has <em>some</em> luck
<br /><div align="center">(but no real skill or consistancy -
<br /><div align="center">you know how I am about finishing things)
<br /><div align="center">Part of me wishes I had the time or energy <div align="center">to be as devoted, and reap the benefits,
<br /><div align="center">that those people do.
<br /><div align="center">Cause let's face it, I am definetely still in the
<br /><div align="center">"You saved $15.60 with us today,
<br /><div align="center">and still spent a ridiculous amount of money" phase.
<br /><div align="center"></div>
<br /><div align="center">But then I saw some of the crap that these people are buying
<br /><div align="center">IN HUGE AMOUNTS!
<br /><div align="center">Who really need 100 packages of Airheads candy?
<br />Short of someone opening a candy stand at summer camp.
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><div align="center">I'm just sayin'
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><div align="center">So, here is my verdict:
<br /><div align="center">Working really hard to provide food for your family at the right price
<br /><div align="center">Good.
<br /><div align="center">Purchasing 150 bags of cat treats because they were on sale
<br /><div align="center">and you had the coupon
<br /><div align="center"><em>but you don't own a cat</em>.
<br /><div align="center">And you <em>still</em> keep them in your stockroom
<br /><div align="center">instead of donating them to a shelter or something.
<br /><div align="center">A little sick.
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><div align="center">I think I've made my case.
<br /><div align="center">Even if I'm going to be a complete hypocrite and
<br /><div align="center">watch the show every chance I get.
<br />Just being real.
<br />
<br />I hope y'all are having a fabulous Thursday!
<br /><div align="center">The weekend is just two days away.</div>
<br /><div align="center">And not just any weekend, on of the best:
<br />Easter!</div>
<br />Hasta pronto...The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-60991404315819546512011-04-09T15:18:00.004-05:002011-04-09T15:51:07.503-05:00Saturday Snipets<div align="center">Happy Saturday! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center">Bama Man and I joined the gym this week. <br /><div align="center">As the wife of very dedicated man, it should go without <br /><div align="center">saying that we have been there everyday since <br /><div align="center">signing up (which I love), <br /><div align="center">and I think it's finally catching up with me. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">That, coupled with a morning of service projects <br /><div align="center">(with basically the coolest church peeps around), <br /><div align="center">yard work, and washing the car, <br /><div align="center">has left this girl pooped. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">But proud of her hard work. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Now Bama Man is watching the Masters, leaving <br /><div align="center">me plenty of time to catch up on my blog reading <br /><div align="center">and recipe/coupon searching. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">There are exactly two things I enjoy about the Masters: <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">1. Watching Tiger mess up (is that a little bitter?) <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">2. Hearing Mister say "Called it" when shots <br /><div align="center">go the way he predicted (which is pretty often) <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Other than that it's a bit of yawn. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">After living here in Alabama for almost seven years <br /><div align="center">I shouldn't be at all suprised that Spring <br /><div align="center">completely passed us by again <br /><div align="center">and just gave up and surrendered to summer. <br /><div align="center">Honestly though, I'm not complaining. <br /><div align="center">It's MUCH better than Winter. <br /><div align="center">Plus, I vowed to myself <br /><div align="center">(and now to you which means there's no way out) <br /><div align="center">that I would be a good sport about the heat this year. <br /><div align="center">I do not do heat. <br /><div align="center">I am a Seattle Native. <br /><div align="center">But, this year, I will be a good sport. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Big news around these parts: <br /><div align="center">Walker (the cat) actually wounded his very first living thing! <br /><div align="center">Actually, make that "attacked something not a twisty tie" <br /><div align="center">for the very first time. <br /><div align="center">It's just a fly, but it's a big deal. <br /><div align="center">"Daddy" is very proud. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Made some yummy chicken tacos for lunch. <br /><div align="center">Getting a little bored with all my recipes. <br /><div align="center">I remember when Mister and I were engaged <br /><div align="center">he told me all I really needed to know <br /><div align="center">was five ways to make a chicken casserole. <br /><div align="center">It sounded like a good plan to me at the time. <br /><div align="center">But I think, after two years of marriage <br /><div align="center">we've both changed our minds. <br /><div align="center">Don't get me wrong, I've certainly branched out, <br /><div align="center">but I'm sill in a rut. <br /><div align="center">Any suggestions? <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Well, that's about all I've got. <br /><div align="center">How are you spending your Saturday? </div><br /><div align="center">Hope it's fab!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-57151768544379886052011-04-04T20:19:00.003-05:002011-04-04T20:22:49.512-05:00Life Made Lovely Monday<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoiNTX8vMVNY8SQSRElaguRLFfTAcvsMl0hKZdD671U75Pp7fOlmD4op23pgT6xqmTIMnlOwJ-516kg_NvVhqbqOxSwYq5ZsWY-i2hUr8LatDahiqwzi8pM7FXB_CurOjxM2t_7Axs74/s1600/stove.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591903096366465202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoiNTX8vMVNY8SQSRElaguRLFfTAcvsMl0hKZdD671U75Pp7fOlmD4op23pgT6xqmTIMnlOwJ-516kg_NvVhqbqOxSwYq5ZsWY-i2hUr8LatDahiqwzi8pM7FXB_CurOjxM2t_7Axs74/s320/stove.jpg" /></a> One of my favorite places in my whole house! <br /><div align="center">Thanks, Bama Man, for letting me make our kitchen my own <br /><div align="center">special - lovely - place. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/search/label/life%20made%20lovely%20mondays"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/lifemadelovelybutton.png" /></a> </div></div></div>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114890180301970738.post-89594458805990514222011-04-01T07:32:00.002-05:002011-04-01T07:48:06.469-05:00Good Morning April!<p align="center">Honestly, I expected a little more out of you. <br /><p align="center">What does it take for a girl to get a little sunshine around here? <br /><p align="center">Is that too much to ask?</p><br /><p align="center">If Spring doesn't come soon then it will be too late</p><br /><p align="center">it will be summer</p><br /><p align="center">And you know how this chick feels about Alabama summers.</p><br /><p align="center">I promised myself that I would be a good sport this year,</p><br /><p align="center">but you could a least reward my intentions with some <strong>moderate</strong> heat!</p><br /><p align="center">I'm thinking 75 degrees and sunny oughta do it.</p><br /><p align="center">Good, now that we understand each other, </p><br /><p align="center">I will look forward to the weekend with hope.</p><br /><p align="center">But really, I'm just glad you're here</p><br /><p align="center">You know March, she was dragging on there. </p><br /><p align="center">P.S. My almost-baby (read:middle) Sister is coming home today! </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBNeo2kly4dlGELqZ9WNTo9zFQUZ612BIg41XKvj0FUsNug4RTyHnJAgNr_6D0bEsH647YavKWOUBj0h01SxvgnjVdCH_1Mw967uJCXcGvf92RVX4SV0UBjV1yCC8hk7mMH6y7MhS6bA/s1600/DSCN1264.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590593352368631426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBNeo2kly4dlGELqZ9WNTo9zFQUZ612BIg41XKvj0FUsNug4RTyHnJAgNr_6D0bEsH647YavKWOUBj0h01SxvgnjVdCH_1Mw967uJCXcGvf92RVX4SV0UBjV1yCC8hk7mMH6y7MhS6bA/s320/DSCN1264.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">For those of you lucky enough to know this girl</div><br /><p align="center">you understand how freakin' awesome that is!</p><br /><p align="center">I will try not best not to think about the fact it is only for a visit </p>The New Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319803210875909582noreply@blogger.com0