That Girl Still Blogs?

Yes I do still blog, well sorta, at least tonight. Its been crazy, so here is a quick recap of what we've been up to...

June 2009 - Debt Free (except the house). "WE'RE DEBT FREE" (cue braveheart music)
- Bought mountain bikes as our got out of debt presents for each other

(please ignore the closed eyes & ghetto booty...hence the purchase of the bikes)

- My friend Erin Pabst & I audition for "My Fair Lady" at our local community theater & get cast as dancers....yes dancers :)
- Mountain bikes were stolen from our garage (not the first time a "bike" was stolen from the garage - fortunately the second time the bikes were less valuable :)

July 2009- We grow tired of being stolen from, the commute, and want to decrease the debt owed on the house
- Mom, Dad, Travis, Reba, and Zion visit

August 2009 - Decide to sell our house & put it on the market
- Erin purchases "Natalia" (no she's not a male order Russian bride)

- Jordan visits & we drive to Pittsburgh to see Trav, Reba, and Zion's new house.

September 2009 - 6 sold-out performances (total tickets sold 2400) later, I have made wonderful friends through My Fair Lady

October 2009 - Closed on the sale of our beloved first home.

-Move in temporarily with Rick and Kelly.

- Now 100% debt free and hoping to stay that way (or at least close to it) as we look for a new home in Franklin!!

November 2009 - Got my acceptance letter to Nursing School! Yay! (Pray my boss will be flexible with my schedule so that I can continue to work through this first semester.)

Anniversary Weekend in Chattanooga

Last month we went to Chattanooga to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. We both have always enjoyed the city. This time was no different, we had a great time and both decided that we could easily live in Chattanooga. We visited the Aquarium, the civil war battle on lookout mountain, Riverbend, Lupi's Pizza (of course!), and then floated down the river.

Goofin' off in the IMax at the Aquarium


Some of the cool creatures at the Aquarium



Lookout Point - aren't we cute :)

LOTS O' UPDATES

See 3 blog posts below to find out whats been going on around here.

Logan Marshall Dickson

I got to meet my "nephew" this weekend. Friday around noon, my best friend, Brittany, gave birth to Logan Marshall Dickson. He is 6 lbs 7 oz and 19 inches long. He is so sweet, cute, and healthy. I already love him so much. He had to put up with being held by Aunt Bethany, Aunt Jennie and Aunt Jessica all day Friday and and Saturday. Welcome to the world!!













Surgical Masks in waiting rooms are fun. By the way, the nurses were glad to see us go :)

Jason Mraz and Dave Matthews Band

Need I Say More???? No, but I will :)


The Gals:


Trying to blow out the smoke from the girl in front of us:


We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves:



Jessica and Jennie were excited about Jason Mraz:


Awesome Concert:


So pumped to be here (this is after using the restroom):


This was before Jessica used the restroom :) Hahaha. I don't know what I'm doing?




The concert was unbelievable. I have heard DMB tons of times but this was the best they've ever sounded. Tim Reynolds was there and Carter Beauford was AMAZING!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Lots of stuff going on since I last posted:

THE GOOD:

Lunch with Sunday School Friends:



Friends having Birthdays:



More Swine Flu jokes and surgical masks:


Baby Showers and Diaper Cakes:






Time with good friends:




Manicures and Pedicures:




THE BAD:

The view from Britt's parents house. (Thank you Lord for protecting Hayden):



THE UGLY:

Did you hear? According to Spector America has moved far to the right since Reagan. Yeah...thats about as true as CNN being unbiased and me hating sweets :)

Good Riddance Spector

2 Years Later

Our friends Rick and Kelly gave us videography and graphic design services as part of our wedding gifts. The invites and programs and thank you notes, etc were custom made to fit my eclectic style and I loved them. They began work on the video along with all their other paying projects, but, then Kelly went off and got pregnant :) She worked right up until Owen was born to finish all their actual clients, but I told her not to worry about my video until Owen was born and settled in. They just opened the business back up and are working on E and I's wedding video furiously. They joke that they want it to be our 2 year anniversary present. Here are two of the parts they have finished. You can check out more of their work at http://www.knldesigns.com/ (including my invites). I would recommend them HIGHLY to anyone getting married

We are so appreciative of all they have done for us. They are 2 of the most talented people I know.

Our video will include:

• A picture/video montage of us as individuals and then as a couple


• An interview with Erin and I -filmed pre-wedding day


• Rehearsal and Dinner


• Getting Ready


• Complete Ceremony


• After Ceremony Vignette


• Interview with Guests


• Reception

This is the "Getting Ready" part of our wedding day. I love the old-timey film effects that Rick added. I also love how my Dad asked me: "Are you ready?" right as we were walking down the aisle...as if it wasn't too late to bolt ;)

This is short video catches a glimpse of some of the "After Ceremony" highlights. Ringing the bell was fun. My fave parts: 1.) me chomping my gum the whole time, 2.) E not know what to do with the train of my dress outside 3.) My brothers Shawn, Travis, and Jordan goofing off and messing up my hair during pictures.

My Friend GiGi

In my quest to lose about 15 lbs by June, I found an old friend that is not helping. Her name is Gigi. Gigi and I became good friends when I worked downtown and still had a sky-rocketing metabolism. There is now one in Cool Springs.

Jamie, Ashley, and I split these at work yesterday. I hadn't realized how much I really missed my friend Gigi. (www.gigiscupcakesusa.com). But, my thighs hadn't missed her at all.

Southern Comfort - My FAVORITE!!!

Pecan Cupcake with Pecan pie with a star dollop of caramel frosting.


Gingerbread

Ginger bread cake with cream cheese frosting & a Ginger bread cookie.


Boston Cream

Yellow cake with vanilla filling dipped in Chocolate Ganache.

Long Time No Blog

Sorry I've been too busy for words. Short summary since last blog:

Replaced this:

With this: (Thanks centsiblesawyer for the $500 Walmart GC)

Celebrated E and I's birthdays:

His Birthday (Maggiano's and the Symphony):

My Birthday (Park Cafe):

Got these for my b'day from the Hubbs:

Bought These From Marti & Liz: (unbelievable deals on 'em)

Started school and dissected this:

Left old job where paychecks didn't cash and started old-old job again where I get to re-work with these awesome people.

Spent some time with these people and more:



Thats All!

OKC Christmas with Bethany's family -UPDATE

UPDATE: The baby's name is "Calvin" NOT "Calving" as I have typed in several places! I think I'm used to typing "ing" together. I wouldn't want you to think Shawn and JIll named their baby something that strange :)

Our family is so spread out with Trav/Reba/Zion in Pittsburgh, us in Nashville, Mom/Dad/Jordan in New Mexico, and Shawn/Jill/Calvin in OKC. But, we usually congregate in Oklahoma City because Aunt Susan and Uncle Brent, and Grandma and Grandpa also live nearby. Unfortunately Travis, Reba, and Zion couldn't make it to OKC this year because they had just moved and we missed them a ton. But, we are planning on going where they can go next year. We had such a great time with everyone. I absolutely love having a huge family. It is so wonderful. I really want to have a big family of my own and the only thing that is keeping me from it is the fear of saddlebags and stretch marks :) Maybe I'll adopt :)


Anyway, everyone was so generous with their giving. We appreciate it so much. Thank you Aunt Susan and Uncle Brent, Grandma and Grandpa, and Shawn and Jill for housing everyone for a week.

(The gang minus Grandma, Grandpa, Calvin, Trav, Reba, Zion)

Seeing Calving was, of course, the highlight of the trip ;) Here he is in all his cuteness.

Here is a quick video of him during bathtime. I thought I was just taking a regular picture but I had accidently hit video on my camera. Sorry I couldn't get it turned upright.

Christmas at the McAtee's - Springfield, MO

We were so glad to be able to see Erin's parents this Christmas since we didn't think we would get to. We got to see them on Christmas Day, no less!

It was extra meaningful because E's sister, Jennifer, had just been a serious car accident were her brand new Pontiac Solstice sustained major injuries, but fortunately Jennifer did not! She did get a pretty narly black eye though. The whole experience reminded us to be thankful for our families and God's provision.

Sharon and I have found something that we both enjoy doing: sewing. It was fun to discover this commonality and we both spent almost all of Christmas Day making fun things. She made me a really great dish carrier and I will probably begin making them for wedding presents! E's parents and sister were very generous as always. We got way too many awesome things. Thank you so much!

Erin's family and my family have very different Christmas traditions and it has been fun to be involved in some new ones. Erin's family is very particular about their wrapping. They always have the most beautiful packages under their tree and they put a lot of thought into it. My family is NOT that way... some of our packages probably have duct tape on them :) Anway, I've enjoyed wrapping pretty packages.

Crafty Christmas

This year I made several gifts. It was fun being crafty and creative.

I made this coloring roll for Zion. Reba can carry it in her purse and pull it out when she needs Z to keep occupied (i.e. restaurants and church). It has pockets for crayons on the left, finished artwork in the middle, and fresh paper on the right. Sorry I could't get some of the photo's to turn.

I made bibs for Calvin....these are pics of some of the ones I made Amber because I forgot to take pics of Cal's. But, a few of them were similar so I posted those. (My favorite one for Cal was one with chili peppers all over it and it said "CALiente" :)

Tree Lighting Wrap Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Once again, trying to win something for Z. Keeping my fingers crossed.


Tree Lighting Wrap Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dancing Family + Charlotte

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Date Nights

Erin and I decided last week that we need to consciously have a date night once a month. Somehow, in the midst of school, work, Dave Ramsey, and being just plain old busy, we have forgotten to do this. I cook almost every meal (although is very helpful and fends for himself when I'm working) and we usually eat in front of the TV with our laptops on our lap working. Really romantic :)

So, here is our deal:
- Date nights once a month
- A date cannot involve laptops and TV (unless of course we're watching lost/or a movie from our hard drive then it counts)
- If cooking is involved it is a team effort.
- A date does not have to involve money but does have to be something that involved a little extra effort in both appearance and activity.
- Bethany cannot wear her comfy ugly yellow p.j./lounge pants on date night.

Our first monthly date night was this past Wednesday. We went to macaroni grill for dinner, then did a bit of shopping at Opry Mills, and then looked at the Christmas decorations at Opryland Hotel. We couldn't find anyone to take our picture so this is all I've got.

Thanksgiving

A little late and anti-climactic now, but here ya go!

(We were past the tired phase and at the goofy phase)

We spent Thanksgiving in Springfield, MO with Erin's parents and had a nice time.

(Aren't we cute?)

We all took part in the cooking. It was a delicious meal. Erin made pineapple cheese casserole, and I made Mom's (Schenk) stuffing and an amazing homemade butterscotch pie.

We also went rollerskating which was lots o fun.
(Lookin' a little pale and matchy matchy)

(Beautiful pic of Jenn!)

(Sharon rollerskating)

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Girls Weekend + 2 Guys.

update: Lindsey made me feel bad for putting up the bad pictures of my friends. so to show I'm not a horrible friend I took them down.

I've already been made fun of for my pageant pose...leave it alone :)

This weekend Jessica came into town. It had been 3 months since her last visit which is unacceptable but also unusual.

On Friday, Scott, Brittany, and Jennie came over to the house to hang out with Jessica, Erin, and me. We usually play games or something but it had been so long since we hung out that we just ordered pizza and talked. It was so awesome to see them! We suck at taking pics when we hang out so I was proud of the amount that I took this weekend....that is until I saw the pictures. At least they'll be useful for blackmail :)

Britt's Blackmail Pic

(taken down per Lindsey)

Jess's Blackmail Pic
(taken down per Lindsey)

My Pepto Blackmail Pic


Pregger's Brittany!



The group - No blackmail pic for Jennie - Bummer :)

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm trying to win these adorable little pieces for my niece. How precious!!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

You down w/ LTP? Yeah, you know me!

Ode to one of my best buds, Lindsey Allison Tapper Pruitt, in honor of another random package I got in the mail today:

Thanks for sending me a package Lindsey Pruitt.

Throughout the week mail helps me get through it.

Thanks for asking"Will you be my friend" on the phone.

I said sure and sang "You'll Never Walk Alone"

When I went to the place where they dispense the mail,

The post office guy said "What the $#@^!

This package is in a box of laundry detergent,

You can't send that unless its really urgent"

Everyone loves popsicle makers, they are the best .

When you say you don't I know you jest.

Is that why you regifted my Walgreen's treasure?

Because you wanted to light up my life with popsicle pleasure?

I'm not sure why you sent me a gross, used washcloth or budreaux's butt paste

But I think I'll take it to the lab and examine it post haste.

Remember what I said about 100 billion bacteria

Coming from 1 gram of something from that

area :)

You know how much I love love food

It always puts me in a good mood.

Next time there's a party I'm taking pesto and mushrooms

So I take care not to meet my imminent doom.

The randomness of the ball marker and the creepy blue guy

Give me the heebie jeebies and make me say "oh my!"

But E's not mad anymore about the cell phone minutes

Because you sent me a package with something for him in it.

Last but definitely not least

Is the treat above all treats.

The Swiss Chocolate made me whoop and holler

I hope you didn't really spend 20 dollars.

Wordle

Check out my wordle. It takes the contents of text you provide (my blog) and makes the words that are most prominent in your text the most prominent in the image. Interesting that the most prominent words in my blog are "coupons" and "pie". No wonder I'm gaining weight. I must be using coupons to buy pie ingredients!

Ministry 2.0

This past weekend was the first kick-off event of Erin's new start-up company, Ministry 2.0. It was a success! The first night was just an early registration kick-off with a meet and greet and Ezekiel presentation and help session. The second day was an all day, hands-on conference where participants got to choose four workshops out ot eight to attend. The participants were bombarded with useful information to take back and implement into their ministries.

The Venue

Some of the Sponsors

Attendee and CEO of Viewzi.com

Workshop

Workshop (who's the hottie presenting?)

Ultra-casual and exhausted after night 1 prep.

Prepping for Day 2!

"Tag" You're It

I've been tagged by Jana for 6 Things About Me. She tagged me ages ago but I'm just now getting around to it.

So here goes:

1. I have a severe gag reflex over certain things. If you tap me on the neck or chest/breastbone I will throw up on you.

2. Touch is not my love language. My love languages are: acts of service, gift giving, with words of affirmation coming in a close third. Erin's love languages are: touch, quality time. I try to remember to sit by him on the couch and scratch his head and he tries to remember to help me clean the dishes or buy me my favorite candy at the store :)

3. I am the Scrabble champion. Seriously. I'm awesome. The secret is in knowing the legal, official Scrabble dictionary 2-letter words. I DARE you to challenge me to a game of scrabble. :)

4. I used to do a political videoblog called "realverse.com". After we got a really big following, Michelle Malkin (thats right...the political analyst on Fox News and of hotair.com) asked me to collaborate with her and do regular spot on her site. I worked with Michelle for a while until we had to shut realverse down. I've recently been talking with Michelle and I'm thinking of getting it going again.

5. I love homemade pie. WAY better than cake. I also like to make pies from scratch. So it works out for my tongue but not for my thighs. Chocolate meringue pie, chocolate chunk pecan pie, cherry pie, fresh strawberry pie, key lime pie, butterscotch meringue pie, pumpkin pie, cheesecake (which is more of a pie than a cake). I could go on.

6. I was a really really ugly child. The ONLY person who thought I was cute as a child was my dad and maybe my mom :) I came complete with a snaggletooth, huge uncontrollable amounts of hair on my head, and thick red glasses. On occasion I wore a fanny-pack. Thank goodness puberty, braces, and contacts finally came into the picture!

Coupon Convert

My mom witnesses to everyone she comes into contact with about Jesus. That includes the cashier's at grocery stores. I used to be embarrassed by that as a kid but now I aspire to be a woman like my mom. I made a big step in that direction yesterday. No I didn't lead someone to the Lord but I DID convert an entire line of people to coupons yesterday. It went something like this.

After ringing up enough groceries to last us over 2 weeks,
Cashier: That will be $220.
Me: Actually I have some coupons.
Lady behind me in line: I used to use coupons but it wasn't worth it to only save $.35 or so.
Me: Just watch my total. You'll see
(Cashier is still ringing up all the coupons)
Lady behind me in line: Man this is taking forever. How many coupons do you have?
Me: I'm telling you, keep watching my total drop.
Cashier: Okay ma'am after coupons that will be $98.06.
Lady: What??? (turns to rest of line) Did you guys hear that? She just saved $120 using coupons!

Another victory for the couponing kingdom :)

P.S. I hope the Lord sees humor in comparing couponing to being fisher's of men. I didn't mean to be sacrilegious Lord :)

Until I get a chance

Jana told me I better get my butt back to blogging. But, alas, this is one of the craziest weeks for me, so in the meantime I leave you with this hilarious video that my MIL (thats mother-in-law for you non-techy folks) sent me.

ENJOY!!!

Amber's Baby Shower

Faith, Megan, and I hosted a baby shower for Amber and baby Will this weekend. I would say it was a success. We had a nice turnout and wonderful food. I really hope Amber enjoyed it because I know that Faith Megan and I had a lot of fun putting it together. I made the diaper cake, rumaki, pacifier candies, and chex mix. (okay so maybe I didn't MAKE the chex mix :)). I also sewed some customized bibs for baby Will. I let Amber open them at the shower but immediately took them back because I didn't have time to finish them in my previously mentioned crazy week! :) I'll post pix of the bibs later.

The diaper cake made totally out of disposable diapers

Pacifier Candies

Petit Fours (how cute are the booties!)

Some of the guests

More of the guests

Tough Crazy Week

This past week was the beginning of my 5 midterms. 2 down, 3 to go this week. Also wrote a few term papers. All this while prepping for a visit from Jordan, hosting a baby shower, hearing about Uncle Tom, starting my new part-time job, and having meal-included study groups at my house! AHHHHHHh!!!!!

Blessed Aunt

I have the best niece and nephew. They are so beautiful and such a blessing to our family. All that has happened with my uncle has made me realize that Erin and I need to take every opportunity to be a part of Zion and Calvin's life. Look how precious they are!!

Please Pray for My Uncle

I would like to ask all of you, my friends and family, to pray for my Uncle Tom. He was diagnosed with cancer about 4 years ago and was told he would not live another year. God is so good because Uncle Tom changed his diet, lifestyle, and tried a holistic approach and it seemed that he had beat the cancer. However, a few months ago he went in for a root canal and they found that they were not dealing with an abscess tooth but that the cancer had spread all throughout his jaw. He has rapidly declined in the past months, the cancer is throughout his entire body, and probably will not live much longer. My heart is breaking for Uncle Tom, a chef and B&B owner. He is such a faithful man who has praised the Lord throughout this struggle. My heart breaks for Aunt Nancy who is losing her partner. And my heart breaks for myself who will probably never get to see him again. I wish I had the resources to go see him. Also Nancy want to plan a surprise for him if possible. I would post the surprise here but am afraid he might read the blog. If you're curious send me a message and I'll email you back. So, if any of you know a Dodge dealer with a generous heart, please let me know.

Please see this message from Aunt Nancy:

First of all, I wish to thank each and everyone who is praying for us and please know that the prayers are felt by the abundance of God's love who wraps his arms around us each day. I know many of you are wondering how Tom is doing and I apologize for not keeping in better communication. Tom's cancer metasized to his bones last may and now has invaded his liver creating enlargement that pushes against his stomach. He is taking chemo every 3 weeks and more frequent blood transfusions and iv's for dehydration. Ever since his radiation treatment on his lower lumbar last summer he has experienced ever increasing stomach problems. His vomiting is now several times a day and has trouble keeping any food or liquids down.
Our doctor, bless his kind heart, is making an house call tonight because tom was experiencing severe pain in his liver. Every week tom's pain meds increase to keep up with the rapid growing cancer.
I have contacted hospice today and they are coming out tomorrow to start Tom on a program. Tom's doctor has given him a couple months max to survive and the next couple weeks are crucial for anyone who desires to see him. I encourage anyone who can to come and visit tom, we have ample rooms to accomodate you. We will understand if you are unable to make the trip. Understand also, that Tom at this time can only handle short periods of visitation for he tires easily. He will totally love seeing anyone who is able. Maybe going down memory lane would be uplifting.
Tom so wanted to travel to michigan or possibly florida to enjoy the warm sunshine and beach one more time but we fear that his health is deteriorating too quicly but we will consult with his doctor tonight and the hospice people tomorrow.
My heart aches as i write this for our lives have interwoven throughout his life and many wonderful and fun memories come to the surface. Our faith and hope is in jesus christ and tom knows that jesus awaits him when the time comes where he will have no more pain, suffering and tears but in the meantime the journey of nearing the crossing of the border of heaven can be
Scary and lonely so please pray for tom to be comforted with peace that surpasses all understanding for god knows our fears and hearts and i am confident that god will provide tom's passage with abundant mercy, grace and love.
We thank god for all your tender love and compassion.
Nanc (mom) and tom

Dear Heavenly Father, If Your good and perfect will is not a miracle then let Tom enjoy his last few days/weeks/months. Thank you for the extra time you've already given him. Surround him with love and comfort from the Lord and friends and family. Let the pain disapate and bring comfort to those that love him. Amen.

Hodaka Heaven

Today Erin said goodbye to his Hodaka. It was his very first "motorcycle"/dirtbike. He and his dad bought it years ago to fix up. Erin decided to sell it so that he could get his new motorcyle, the Suzuki Cruiser, that we bought a few months ago. It took a while to sell because it is a bike from the '70's and is a collectors item, so there is not a great market for it. It was hard for Erin to get rid of because of the memories associated with it but felt really good about the guy who bought it. The buyer drove all the way from Marietta Georgia and is going to restore it to original condition so that it completes his Hodaka collection. He promised to send E pics of the bike when it was finished. I think that made E feel better. He was glad that it will be taken care of instead of sitting in our garage.

Layla Grayce

Today I went to the christening of my friend Mikeya's baby, Layla Grayce. While I do not believe in child baptism, I was happy to go and support them by promising to pray for Layla as she grows, especially for Layla's spiritual growth. I will pray that someday, when she is old enough to make the decision on her own, Layla will come to know Jesus. And I commit to be a friend to Mikeya and an example of a Christian woman to Layla.

Isn't little Layla beautiful?!

A Sad Goodbye...

I took back the beautiful black pair of shoes I bought two weeks ago. They weren't in the planned budget and I bought them on impulse. They weren't expensive or anything but I was feeling a little guilty since Jordan is coming to visit and I am throwing a baby shower this month. Plus, I saw 2 people at church yesterday who had similar ones on... not that it matters but I decided I didn't need them. Goodbye 5 inch heels....hello old nasty tennis shoes :)

Miss Tennessee USA

Good Luck to the girls competing tonight at the Miss USA competition. I was there last night at the presentation show and you all looked gorgeous! To the J.S. Fields folks, thanks for letting me be there last week to help some of you get ready, it was so much fun. Knock 'em dead!

Love ya! B

Shelley George - Bridal Designs

Today I did a photo shoot for Shelley George's new line of wedding gowns. She is a local designer that has had massive success with her designer bridal shoes, handbags, and flower girl dresses. Her new line of wedding gowns will hit her website soon. For all of you soon-to-be brides out there: she is pretty affordable! http://www.shelleygeorge.com/

She is a hugely talented designer and we had so much fun at the photoshoot today. I'm trying to get back into that world a little bit because it is a great way to make good money while in school plus its lots of fun. So that means that I am trying to drop about 10 pounds (healthily, mom) and get back to the self-upkeep that I have let slide a little.

This pic is for mom...who I know will ask for a pic of my hair. This was the best I could do....what was left of my hair at the end of the day, 6 hrs after the shoot, after my errands, and after all the makeup had mostly been removed. Nothing special, just curled and down and Farrah Fawcett-y.

Commone Sense NOT Chicken Little

The Sky Is Falling!!! The Sky Is Falling!!! The Sky Is Falling!!! Oh sorry, I thought I was a freaked out American who thinks the world as we know it will end because the DOW fell 778 points on Monday. But I'm not :)

Actually I understand that the American economy is in a very precarious place right now. But, I DON'T think the government should be in the business of owning things (socialism) and am glad that they voted the bailout down. But, I DO think SOMETHING should be done.

Please check out the Common Sense Plan and contact your Senator or Representative. The idea was developed by a leading economist and the plan was put together and packaged by Dave Ramsey. Briefly, it involves retro-acting Sarbanes-Oxley by removing mark-to-market accounting for sub-prime mortgages (for 2 years). It also includes doing away with the estate tax and extending additional insurance to the lenders. This would do the trick of creating a market for the buying and selling of the current sub-prime mortgages and free the market back up.

PLEASE DO YOUR PART!!!! Contact your Congressman!!!

Oddities

I succumbed to this silly survey but it is kinda fun. So respond with your answers or post them on your blog!

35 ODD THINGS ABOUT ME

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Yes! I love all cheese...especially stinky ones
2. Do you own a gun? Yes -2. A glock 23 .40 caliber and a makarov
3. What's a favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee house? A sugar free extra hot gingerbread latte.
4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning ? Juice - especially simple orange or Minute Maid blueberry pomegranate. Or maybe coffee ... :)
5. Do you do push-ups? Yes when Erin makes me
6. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Engagement Ring and my diamond and opal necklace Mike and Marva gave me for my 16th birthday.
7. Favorite hobby? sewing and exercising
8. Do you have A.D.D? Not one bit...although I have had my moments.
9. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I speak before thinking
10. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I need to get dressed for the day. I have to leave in 15 minutes. This survey is pointless, why am I doing it?
11. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink. Water, Juice, Coke Zero, Coffee
12. Current worry right now? Being late because of this survey.
13. Current hate right now? The "chicken little" mentality of the media and its bias in its reporting
14. Favorite place to be? Vacation!!! Anywhere with Erin or family
15. Do you like to travel? It is my #1 favorite thing in the world!
16. What color shirt are you wearing? White
17. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Not at all...too slippery. I like crisp white sheets
18. Can you whistle? yep
19. Favorite color? Kelly green
20. If you could would you be a pirate? I can and I will for halloween....arrrrrghhh
21. What song do you sing in the shower? Les Miserables and show tunes.
22. Favorite girl's name? I'm not telling.... Erin and I don't want you to steal ours :)
23. Favorite boy's name? Not telling!
24. What's in your pocket right now? "I've got one hand in my pocket and the other one is ....."
25. Favorite bedsheets as a child? Seriously dumb question.
26. Worst injury? Breaking my chin open as a kid
27. Do you love where you live? Nashville...Yes! Smyrna....not so much!
28. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
29. Who is your loudest friend? Jessica! If you think I'm loud....just wait!
30. How many pets do you have? technically none but we pseudo adopted a stray who lives on our back porch and we pay for food and vet visits.
31. Does someone have a crush on you? My husband better
32. What is your Favorite Book? Bible, Les Miserables, Atlas Shrugged, We the Living
33. What's your favorite candy? Hot Tamales put a smile on my face :) :)
34. Favorite Sports Team? Titans or Steelers
35. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I think my black trousers are clean.

Romans 6:15-23

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 when you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A pretty familiar passage but what an awesome reminder of God's grace. "Thank you Lord for setting me free from my bondage of sin and thank you even more for helping me accept that freedom more and more as I grow." I love the part that says "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life." Sometimes it is easy to look at holiness more as a responsibility or sacrifice we have to achieve but holiness is a BLESSING, a benefit that our good and gracious Lord wants us to experience and live in. God is so good.

Free Ice Cream

Cold Stone gave away free ice cream today to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. Although it is not part of slim-down plan, Erin and I enjoyed a 4-oz treat today. I just don't have the discipline I used to... I'm workin' on it. But it was free!

Stupid Me

I did something stupid...go figure. How is it that physics, calculus, Anatamy & Physiology, etc are literally a piece of cake for me, but doing daily household chores is like rocket science. I was being a good little wife the other day and had cleaned the entire house while studying and catching up on emails. Pretty proud of myself. I had just started to fill up the sink to wash the dishes when E came home. I went to the living room to say hi and totally forgot about the running water. I think E just thought he heard the washing machine running or something cause he didn't say anything. Thirty minutes later I go into the kitchen to get a drink and realize it is COMPLETELY flooded. I'm such an idiot!!! We thought we had avoided catastrophe because it didn't reach any of the carpet in the adjoining room and we managed to wet vac it off the floor in the kitchen. Thankfully I have the best husband in the world because he totally supressed his anger and was only kind and forgiving to me.





The next day we walked in the guest bedroom and hallway and felt wet carpet. This room butts up against the kitchen and apparently the water soaked through the wall and into the carpet. We are trying to salvage the carpet and the pad until we are ready to put hardwood down as originally planned. We were hoping to do it early next year...but may have to move that up a bit :(





Here's a pic of the drying pad and carpet. I put baking soda all over it and keep a fan on it. I've also been using a blow dryer on it. Please Lord LET IT DRY!!

Char

We had Charlotte again a few weeks ago and I wanted to post these for Sarah to see...





Charlotte is my little buddy...

Before her bath

(notice the empty toilet paper roll...blaming Erin for that one)

She knows she's about to get wet

Wet Dog! hehehe

All Clean!

Gianna Jessen Ad

Look at this powerful message by Gianna Jessen. If you are interested in her story or in supporting her cause, go to www.bornalivetruth.org. How could any parent vote for Senator Obama?

Suggested Reading Material

I was going to say that there are 4 books that I've read so far in my life that have deeply affected me... but I really can't put the Bible in with the following group because obviously the Bible is so much more than these other books. It is the living breathing Word of God (and its not non-fiction) So, my disclaimer is that the Bible is my truth, my standard, my love letter from my Lord, and my compass.

That being said, there are 3 books that I've read in my life time that even after I finish reading them, I can't get them out of head...books that have helped shaped some of my philosophies and opionions. I just finished reading #3 tonight:

1.) Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - I've probably read this book 5 times. I love the story and the underlying theme of grace. It is a really good demonstration of love, forgiveness, and mercy. It used to be my all-time favorite. But, since I've read the other two below, its tied. :)

AYN RAND NOVELS - I DO NOT agree with Ayn Rand's basis to her philosophies wholeheartedly. She was an atheist - a person who scoffed at the notion of God. She believed in the virtue of selfishness and putting one's own life at highest reverence. I obviously do not agree with this philosophy. However, her books are accurate portrayals of what happens when higher purpose (whether God or in her opinion, one's self) is removed from man... and the depravity that follows. America is at a significant crossroads and I encourage you to read at least one of these books before voting.

2.) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand - This is an accurate portrayal of what America IS SLOWLY BECOMING...socialist. A story about redistribution of wealth. The story of the immediate effects of a society who loots from its producers yet expects them to keep producing. The corruption and suffering and death; death of the body, the mind, the spirit. The story of a country who refuses to see that its collapse can be saved through personal hard work and ambition of the INDIVIDUAL not the COLLECTIVE! Key word! Notice who uses the word "collective" all the time? Read this book and a specific candidate will start to scare you.

3.) We The Living by Ayn Rand - This is a story based on Ayn Rand's life in Communist Russia before she escaped to the U.S. A very powerful and startling description of what life is like when putting the "Collective" before the "Individual". What is the "collective"? It starts out as a desire to even the playing field, to care for others. Nothing wrong with that right? Well when handing off the responsibility of caring for our brothers and sisters to the government or institution of the state, what does the collective become? It becomes about the state, the institution... not about the people, the individual! Some people lose the motivation to care for themselves when the "state" will do it for them and some people lose the capacity for compassion when they are forced to support the dead weight of others who won't support themselves. They are asked to sacrifice for the collective, for the party, for whatever word you want to call it. Enough! We need to quit feeding the expensive inefficient machine that is big government and take on some personal responsibility! I'd much rather support a private based service organization with my pocketbook that let the gov't tax me into oblivion to support the programs they deem important. Wouldn't you? I could go on but I won't.... we just need to be careful that we don't move too much further into the picture that this book depicts.


My friend Jana reminded me through her blog the other day that the most important thing I can do for this election is not neccessarily voice my opinion with anyone and everyone but to pray! To diligently pray without ceasing. Sometimes I get worried and forget that my God is awesome, just, all-powerful, all-knowing, all loving and I want to take things into my own hands. As you read this, know that although I am extremely passionate about some things and will act on them, ultimately I surrender to the perfect will of God.

Favorite Things

I have 2 new favorite things:

1. This awesome little invention from Starbucks.

I was meeting some girlfriends of mine the other day and stopped at Starbucks on the way to use the gift card that Sarah had gotten me. Thanks Sarah! I don't know about you but it seems that everytime I get coffee and take it with me I manage to slosh it all over myself. I also make sure I order my latte's extra hot because they're always cold by the time you finish it. So, I was so excited to see they had thought of something to help with both problems.

This little green stick plugs into the hole at the mouth of the lid to keep it from spilling and letting heat escape. AWESOME!!!!

2. This great new place to eat... The Dog of Nashville

It used to be that I wouldn't touch a hot dog with a 10-foot pole. But, since becoming budget conscious (some people call it broke :)), my palet has de-evolved! I look forward to the Johnsonville Cheddar Brats that are now a staple in our home. So, I was really pumped when I heard about this place... Sarah and I tried it out last week and it was great. All kinds of hot dogs: jalepeno stuffed hot dogs, vienna dogs, brats, cheddar wurst... yumm! Plus, every menu item is under $3.00!

Gowns, Suits, and Luncheon Dresses

I've reached the end of my pageant career and have almost accepted that I may never satisfactorily fit into any of the clothing...hehe. So, I'm selling it all. If any of you skinny-mini's out there that are still involved in pageants or have prom coming up would like these please let me know. I'll give you an even deaper discount if you buy all of them together. They are already heavily discounted from what I paid. On a side note: please don't judge me for what I paid for these gowns! How embarrassing. Fortunately I had sponsers that helped with the cost of them and the money I made in scholarships far outweighed the cost of these gowns. So, Travis and Shawn....I don't want to catch any flack from you!

Dorian Ho- silk gown w/ detailing. Originally a size 6 altered down to size 2 or 4. Paid $800. Price for you: $150

Vintage Designer Gown from 1960's. My wardrobe/stylist found it at a designer vintage shop in L.A. I paid $1000 for it. There are no tags indicated which designer it is since I had it altered and to be honest I forget. It is now a size 4. Retailed at $1000. Am asking $225.

Kay Unger Seafoam Green Designer suit. Gorgeous suit...would keep it if I could move in it :) It is perfect for a college entrance or pageant interview. Originally a size 2 but was altered down just a bit. Originally $600 but am asking $150. Perfect condition.

Anne Barge Wedding Gown. I wore this for a talent competition so it would work perfectly for both. The train is completely detachable (including the satin roses on back) and the dress is gorgeous by itself as well. Just needs a quick dry clean and pressing because the train drug on the floor during the 15 min competition but it isn't even noticeable and will come completely off if dry cleaned. This is a $2000 wedding gown and I'm selling it for $225.

Cache Lucheon or Casual Wear - This is a perfect little outfit for the casual wear portion of competition or for one of the luncheon's througout the week. If you purchase any of the gowns or suits above, I'll throw this one if for just an extra $25. I paid $80 at Cache for it. Size 4

Obama vs. McCain Round One

So anyone who knows me even just a teeny tiny bit knows how I feel about Obama.... I think he's the most horrifyingly terrible option for our nation's president. On Saturday there was a civic forum at Saddleback, Rick Warren's church where each candidate was brought out separately and asked a series of questions. Even if I were looking at this unbiasely I would give the victory to McCain. Obama didn't answer half the questions and waffled back and forth on everything. McCain was concise, decisive, definitive and unapologetic. Keep in mind that McCain isn't my ideal candidate but he is impressing me so far with his stance on a number of things given that he is what I would consider a more liberal Republican. I guess I'll have to choose the lesser (much less) of two evils. I don't have a lot of time to go into everything but let me point out a few things:

1.) Abortion:
- Obama said "That question is above my pay grade" what??????? There is no higher pay grade than the president of the United States except for God. (that may have been his point but it was a stupid thing to say) Plus, if you're a Christian, as you say, then you have a direct connection to the Lord. He should be able to let you know what he thinks about embryonic life. As President you need to know your beliefs and stand by them. I don't want someone who doesn't know when a baby is a baby.
- Obama said "I want to work as hard as I can to reduce the number of abortions....despite legislation from the Bush administration abortion numbers have not gone down." First of all, if it is just a pile of meaningless tissue then why do you care to reduce the number of abortions. That is stupid. If life doesn't start at conception then why should it matter. Second of all, the last part of his statement is NOT TRUE. Abortion rates are currently at their lowest since 1974. Nice try Barack
- McCain said "Life starts at conception" Nice, clear, concise, and decisive answer.

2.) Marriage:
- They both said that marriage was between 1 man and 1 woman. However, Obama said he would not support a constitutional ban while McCain said he would. I appreciated this from McCain although I do think he is still to far left on the issue. I believe in human rights and equality...blah blah blah.... but I don't think that homosexual couples should receive the same "benefits" (i.e. employer discounted family healthcare pacakages) that same sex couples do. Why? For a moral reason? Yes. But also for fiscal reasons. I do not want to pay for someone else's higher risk lifestyle. Same thing goes for obesity, smokers, etc. Higher healthcare costs = more that comes out of my pocket for premium's every month.

I'm going to stop there for now. I don't have enough time right now to think everything through and present it concisely (as you can see above :) More later....

A Good Steward

It is really important to me to be a good steward of all that we have, especially right now. Besides cleaning houses I really try and contribute by saving money on groceries. Travis and Reba are the ones who really inspired me to do this. Plus, I'm an old pro at couponing since one of my chores as a kid was to cut coupons....thanks mom!





This week was my best savings week yet. For 2-3 weeks of groceries, I spent $103 and saved $145. Erin and I have taken our grocery budget from $400+ to under $200/month. This includes toiletries and household items. Above are pictures of my loot from this week.

I have enough for 3-4 weeks worth of lunches for both Erin and I (including Lean Cuisine, Home-made Ranch Burgers, and left-overs), 2.5 weeks worth of dinner ingredients, 2 weeks worth of produce, Brita filters for 3 -6 months, and toiletries for a month.

Some of you have asked me for the details of my shopping trips. How do I find these savings?
1.) I check the following websites (and others) for coupon links and deals:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://www.thecentsiblesawyer.blogsot.com/
http://www.centsiblesavings.com/
http://www.coupons.com/
http://www.kroger.com/
2.) I sign up for every online freebie I can find. These are great because you not only get samples of products but they usually send valuable coupons in the mail with these samples. Walmart.com offers tons of samples every week.
3.) Pick up the circulars at your grocery stores and match the advertised specials with the coupons you have.
4.) Plan your meals around the deals. Do not vary from your set menu...just having a plan will save you tons of money plus take lots of stress off you since you won't have to decide every day what you're going to have. After planning your meals go directly to manufacturer websites to look for printable coupons for ingredients.
5.) Sign up online for the coupons that load directly onto your grocery card. Kroger is the best for this. Plus, every couple of months I get a big packet of coupons from Kroger that represent groceries I buy regularly. Its pretty awesome.

Here is a list of the deals and things I got this week.
- 5 12-packs of Coke/Dr.Pepper and 1 8-pack of bottles
*Kroger special: buy 3 12-packs and get an 8-pack free
*2 coupons for free 12-packs
- 4 boxes Hot Pockets
* Nestle deal (spend $20 bucks get $5 off)
* Coupons for $1 off of 2 - 2 coupons
- 7 Lean Cuisines
* Nestle deal (spend $20 bucks get $5 off)
- 1 South Beach Pizza Lunch
* Coupon $2.00 off
- Toilet Paper
* Coupon for $2.00 off and another for $1.00 off
- Kroger brand Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 2.5 lbs Fresh Chicken Breast
*Coupon: spend $7 in poultry get $2 off
- 1.25 lbs Ground Beef
*Kroger sale $1.99/lb for 97% fat free
- 1 lb Butterball Turkey Bacon
*Kroger sale - $2.5
*Coupon: $1 off
- Butter
- Crest Toothpaste
*On sale $0.88
- 2 Toothbrushes - Oral B
* On Sale $0.88 each
- Fresh Yellow Corn on the Cob
*Sale: 4/$1.00
- 5 Green Bell Peppes
- 2 Red Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Carrots
- Milk
*Sale: 1/2 gallon $1.77
- 3 lbs Fresh Ground Turkey
- 2 Old El Paso Stand and Stuff Taco Shells
* On sale 2 for $3.00
* Coupon: Buy 2 get $1.00 off
* Coupon: Buy 2 get Taco Seasoning packet free
- Taco Seasong
* Free: See above
- Kroger Crescent Rolls refrigerated
* On sale for $1.60
- South Beach Diet 7-pack "Tide me over" Drink Mix
* Coupon for $2.00 off
- Bread Crumbs
- 3 Lunchables
* On sale for $1.00
- Dozen eggs
- 2 packs Shredded Cheese
* on sale 1.90
- Brita Filter
* Coupon: $6.00 off
- Mac n Cheese
- 6 cans Chx Broth
- Parmesan Cheese
- Cilantro
- Mission Tortillas
* Coupon: $2.00 off
- Fresh Express Salad Mix
* Coupon $1.00 off
- 3 Packages Frozen Veggies
*Coupon: buy 2 get 3rd free
- Contessa Skillet Meal
*Coupon: $2.00 off
- Sour Cream
* On Sale $1.00
- Simply Orange juice
* On sale: $3.59
* Coupon: $1.00 off
- 2 Dial Hand Soaps
* On sale $1.00
- Hamburger buns
- Printer Paper
- 2 cans Ranch Style beans
- tomato sauce
- 3 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 cans Pillsbury biscuits
* On sale for $1.00
* Coupon for $1 off 2
- Organic Tortilla Chips
* Coupon: $1 off any Private Selection Organic
- 2 lbs Tenessee Pride Sausage
* On Sale: BOGO
* Coupons: $1 off 2 and $1 off 1
- On the Vine Tomatoes
* on sale: 1.99
- Rice a Roni
*Coupon: $.50 off
- Onions
- Cream Cheese

A Change Is A Comin'

Short post because I'm supposed to be studying...but...

Originally this blog was for family members who I don't get to see enough. It was really just meant to be insight in my day-to-day life.

But, once the beast of Organic II is over I'm going to change things up a bit. Since I now have a bigger readership and since writing is therapeutic I want to start using this as a tool to communicate my thoughts and stance on different things.

In addition to "today I did this and today I did that" I will hopefully begin blogging a bit about:
- things God is saying to me personally, my spiritual growth

- I'm pretty passionate about politics and would like to begin getting some eye-opening information out there to a very liberal, unresearched group of people about their favorite candidate

- Work-out and health ideas

- Anything else I'm heated about at the moment.

Hopefully I will actually do this... sometimes I have good intentions but no follow-through.

Wish me luck on my test tomorrow!

The Object of My Affection

"I want these. I need these." This is what is running through my head right now. I want some new clothes, especially some Seven For All Mankind 'Ginger' and 'Dojo' jeans. But I know that I don't really need them. I only want them. But, I want to be a good steward of our money more, and to go to dental school more, and to finish getting out of debt more. (I guess...sigh) Plus, if you read previous post, you'll know that now is REALLY not the time :(

I'll be thankful one day but right now I just think Dave Ramsey sucks! (or "stinks" for Mom)

:) hahahahah... just kidding Dave.

When It Rains.... God gives you an umbrella

It pours. And it has poured in our household this month.

First it was the speeding ticket we got coming home from Springfield after the 4th of July weekend. Goodbye $100.

Then my timing belt needed to be fixed. Thank goodness I have such a handy husband. He replaced it and the rest of the belts himself and saved us $500. But, still it cost some dough.

Our router for the wireless Internet fried. New one.

Our AC went out the day E was fixing the timing belt in our Toyota. Yeah...you can imagine the moods in our house that day.

What we thought was our computer's power supply went out. After purchasing and installing a new one, we found that our motherboard, and therefore our processor and video card has to be replaced.

I had a minor medical malady that required a doctor's visit and several meds. (not really expensive...just something I feel like complaining about)

This is all just before we have to write a check for tuition. But, mom had a cool reminder for me. If we could do it all on our own, then God wouldn't be glorified through our situation. And, God sure is good to us and has provided yet again.

I got 3 new cleaning clients in 3 days time. This will really help the pocketbook.

We found all sorts of stuff to put up on Craigslist and Ebay.

Our AC didn't have to be replaced and the AC guy was very nice and taught Erin how to service the unit himself next time so we didn't have to call a professional.

I found a quarter in the couch this morning - (fun size hot tamale candies are only $.25 in the school bookstore.... WOOHOO!!)

Sarah was so sweet and gave me a Starbucks gift card for keeping Charlotte (which she didn't have to do). This has enabled me to stay awake while studying while sipping on delicious lattes!

God is Good!