House Hunting

Hubby and I have been looking at buying a house by next spring. We will have all of our debt paid off with our income tax return and plan on using his bonus check as a down payment. I'm very much excited about this! I hate putting money towards rent. It doesn't go to anything, but the fact that we have a roof over our head for the next month. And we can't even do anything to the house, except keep it clean. Not fun!

Anyways, we have looked about everything we can find that is online, and even went to look at 4 or 5 houses in person. Only one to which we even kinda liked, but there is still some stuff that we would have to do to it. We don't want to buy a house that we have to do anything to to be able to move in. We don't have the time to do anything to it. We are willing to pay for it move in ready!

I am planning on going to look at another house tomorrow that was just put on the market today! I drove by it this evening, and am excited about going to look inside of it. Hubby has to work, so it's just going to be me, the kids, and our realtor lady. I hope that it is better than the others.

Thankful Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year, and every year. I thought that with it being the day before Thanksgiving, that I would do a post on what all I thank God for on a(n almost) daily basis.

I am thankful for:

1. God sending His son to die for me.
2. God thinking that I deserved to have His son die for me.
3. My parents. They made me who I am today....good and bad! :-)
4. My husband. He is my rock.
5. My kids. They are the reason it's easy to wake up in the mornings....some mornings.
6. My family. We are all different, yet the same. My dad's family has stood strong this past year and though it's been hard with my grandmother's death, we are all strong Christian people that know she's in a much better place.
7. My church family. I can't express my love for them. They have made this past year memorable and helped me realize how much I am thankful for.
8. My friends. Though there are very few of them, I am thankful for each and every one of them.
9. American Soldiers. They have/are fighting for me, my freedom, my country.
10. Wal-Mart. Yes an odd one I know, but it's the one place that I can buy almost anything I need or want.
11. Nickelodeon and Disney Channels. They are what keep my children out of my hair when I am cleaning and cooking. Yes, I'm "that" mom.
12. Blogger. It has been not only my outlet for thoughts and fears, but it's has helped me realize that there are other mother/women out there like me. The kind with thoughts and fears. It has also given me the opportunity to become friends with women that live right here in my own hometown.

So what are you thankful for this year??

I am alive...

Yes, I am alive, if you happened to be wondering.

I have been out of sorts for almost 2 weeks. I've had quite a bit going on, for once, and have just now been able to sit down on my usual blog reads. Boy, did I have a lot to catch up on!

A couple of Fridays ago, a close friend invited me to a Beauticontrol Spa Party she was having at her house. I had never been to one, but had heard they were lots of fun. So I left the kids with Hubby, and off I went for an hour and a half of relaxation and girl time. Something I haven't had in over 3 years! It was so much fun, that I decided to have one of my own. So this Friday night, I am hosting my own spa party...I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it....I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. Okay, I'm done now.

Hubby got off work at 5pm Sunday, and we loaded up, and took the kids out to his family's deer camp for a few days. Of course, with it being the first of the week, anybody that would have sat at camp with the kids and I were working. So while Hubby, Papaw (Hubby's dad), Aunt J (Hubby's sister), and the other couple out there, went hunting, the kids and I sat in the camper and watched movies. I would have loved to take them outside and let them play, but it poured Sunday night, and then didn't get any warmer than 45 degrees, so we decided it be best to keep them inside.

We got back yesterday evening, and thankfully I had cleaned my house up a little bit before leaving out. We were so tired that we just came in and threw everything in the floor. Of course, today, I am having to clean everything up again!

We have also had some unexpected, uninvited, unwanted house guests....since after Sissy's birthday. They tend to come and go at there leisure. Whenever they get hungry, the show up. ANTS!!!

I hate them, it doesn't matter how much I clean my house, they still appear trying to find something to eat. I normally clean the kitchen every night to prevent them from taking over during the night. Last night, though, I was so tired, and ready for bed...we went to bed at about 930pm...that I just left it. Bad idea!!! I got up this morning to a sea of black...literally! They were everywhere!!!

Yesterday, was my dad's 53rd birthday. At about 625pm yesterday evening, my sister calls me.

Sis- "Hey, we are going to eat at PP's for Dad's birthday."

Me-"Okay....when?"

Sis-"Ummm...in like 5 or 10 minutes. Can you make it"

Are you kidding? LOL She said she thought we were still out at deer camp. Dad had to tell her that we were indeed home. So Sissy and I rushed around, got ready, and headed to PP's. Thankfully, we both took showers before that, so we didn't have to worry there. Bubba was asleep, and Hubby opted to stay home with him.

I may be MIA for the next week or so, as I am going to be pretty busy. If I don't post again beforehand....I hope you all have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving!!

What if....

Do you ever wonder what could have been? I mean, have you ever had a life changing experience, and look back and wonder what could have been? I have, and I wonder "what if" quite a bit.

I played basketball for as long as I can remember. It was my life, and I planned on playing until the good Lord wouldn't let me anymore. I just didn't realize it would be sooner than I had thought.

When I was 14, in the 9th grade, I was already receiving college recruit letters! I was very excited about going to play college ball at one particular college, 6 hours away from home! I got a letter in the mail saying that since it was a "certain time of the year" they had to quit contact with me, but would pick up when I was older. That day never came.

When I was 16, I had a bad car accident. I was late for curfew and it was pouring down rain. I was on the dirt road to my house, hit red clay, fishtailed, and as any inexperienced driver would do, I hit the brakes. I learned the hard way, that's not what you do. I hit a tree head on, which threw me on my side, and had me skidding back the way I came. My hand skidded along with the van, the glass, and the gravel. To this day, I thank God that not only am I alive, but that I still have my left hand, and all 5 digits. I almost lost 3 of them!

After that, my basketball skills went down the drain. Even though I am right handed, I could no longer use my left hand the way I used to. I also had to miss pre-season practice seeing as my accident was during the summer.

I never heard from another college wanting me to come play ball for them, and I sometimes wonder, what if.

What if: I had been driving slower.

What if: I had left for home earlier.

What if: I had I had never left home that evening.

What if, what if, what if...

When all those "what ifs" start running through my head, I take a break and realize where I am today. I am married to the man that I met when I was 16 and working at the local retail chain. We have two beautiful kids, and I love my life! I couldn't be happier! If all those "what ifs" had happened...I wouldn't have all of this wonderful life. Plus, I can't really think of where I would be now...after college had ended!

So the moral of this story: Don't focus on all the "what ifs" in life, focus on the "what are's", they are what matters!

PW and Gravy

I had heard about this one particular woman many, many, MANY times around the internet and from my friend over at Sugar Britches. She seemed to be a pretty famous woman. One who many bloggers and internet junkies in general love. After being completely curious, and oblivious, I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

Yes, I had to google.....Pioneer Woman!

If you had to click on that link to find out who I am talking about...well, let's just say that I'm happy to know I'm not the only one who didn't know who she was.

Anyways, once I went to her site, I had to add her to my favorite list. Yep, I love PW!!! She stole my heart. Her recipes, I am so excited about trying, and even told both Hubby and my mom that I wanted her cookbook, that she just released, for Christmas. I'm really hoping that one of them fulfills my request!!

Anyways, I was looking through some of her recipes and came across a biscuits and gravy one. I was in awe. Complete and total awe. Why??

Well, you see, I have been cooking since I was tall enough to reach the stove top. Now I'm not that much of a chef, or anything close to it, but there are just some things that one should know HOW to cook. Especially a southern cook.

WHITE GRAVY!

Can you believe that I am 27, yes I said it, years old, and I only started being able to make an edible pan of gravy in the past 2 months?!?!? Is that gasps and laughter I hear?? Didn't think so!

What? That still doesn't answer your question on why I am in total awe of her B & G recipe? Well, let me just tell you...

She measured everything out to a T!!! I am not one to measure when I cook. I think that's why I hate baking anything. You have to measure everything out perfectly or it doesn't turn out. Except for dump cake. Yay for dump cake!! My gravy is made by taste seasoning. If it tastes good enough to eat, than it's good. :-)

So, if you haven't checked out The Pioneer Woman's website, I strongly suggest you do so. You won't be sorry...I promise!!

My Husband, The Carpenter!

So Hubby is a man of many talents. He is one of the smartest guys I know, he draws, he's creative (he can turn an ordinary object into something totally different, and we have just learned he's a carpenter too!

Before Sissy's birthday party he was building some stuff to make our house look like a home.

(This was our plain jane table that he combined with an old antique dresser to make a desk)

(A key/hat holder)

(A gun rack fashioned out of some remaining OAD (old antique dresser) parts.)

And now for the most recent build. Something that he is extremely proud of and I am just in awe over! His first bed!!!

(Made all by hand)

(I think Bubba likes his toddler bed!)

You got rewarded for what??

My friend, over at SugarBritches, did a post concerning getting her 6 year old to do chores, and asked what we thought about rewards. It got me thinking, I never really had a "reward system" growing up. I didn't get an allowance, or candy, or got to pick out anything special and fun at WM. I didn't even get stickers!! I did, however, get to keep my stuff, and got to do things (i.e. go to friend's house, or have them over) for doing what I was told chores.

In fact, something I joke about today, especially since I have kids of my own, is that my dad always told me that he had kids so that we could do the things he didn't want to do. He told me these things as I would gripe and complain about having to get him something to drink, or anything that he didn't want to get up and get himself, or as I cleaned the kitchen and he watched TV. Back then, it made me mad! Today, I just laugh about it, because I totally understand what he meant now!! LOL!!! One of these days, I think I will be repeating those same words to my kids.

The odd thing about the rewards system is, I did have one, just not for chores, but for basketball. Yep, you heard right, basketball! I had a chart and had to make a certain amount of free throws and post shots to get a check mark. At the end of the month, I got a dollar for every check. Problem was, I wasn't, and still am not, an outside girl. I would rather be inside on even the prettiest days. So my check marks you could count on one hand! Maybe they should have built me an indoor court...just saying.

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love

Oh My! Lots to tell!!!

Friday, my sister had her c-section. Even though there were some complications, she was blessed with a beautiful 8lb 12.4oz little girl. Both Mom and Baby are doing good, now.

(My beautiful baby niece!)

After a week of cleaning, planning, buying, and inviting, we were actually able to enjoy Sissy's 3rd Birthday on Saturday! She was indeed the Princess for the day. My mom and little sister came by the house around noon to pick her up and take her on a little outing before the party started. They took her to WM, Mickey D's, and to Stage where she got to pick out her birthday presents. And I must say, she did an awesome job!! That little girl has got some good taste!!

(The Birthday Princess)

(Her Princess Castle cake)

(Admiring her cake)

(I told her to smile. While gritting her teeth and smiling, she replied "I AM!")

(Blowing out her candle)

(Card...$3.00, Cash...$10.00, Her face...Priceless!)

(Rocking her Hannah Montana glasses)

(She was drawing on her Doodle Pro while I was sitting beside her on my laptop. I looked to see what she was drawing and this is what I saw! I was so proud of her and she in turn was happy that she made me so proud!!)

(Yep...she drew them ALL by herself! From the mouth and eyes to the tails. I think she's going to be an artist like her daddy!!)

Today I was very happy that Hubby went to church with us! I have said before on here that I would love to have him join us more, and with the new promotion, he is able (and willing) to do just that!

Speaking of his promotion...so far, so good! After his last overnight, he had 5 days to get his schedule swithed around, and if you remember from my last post, it didn't work. His first day, he woke up at 2am and didn't get to go back to bed until after 9pm! Which brings us to the whole whining thing that I mentioned...

Anyways, he worked his first 3 days as Co-Manager, then started vacation. He doesn't have to go back until next Sunday!!! Yay! We are so happy to have him home more! If he was on overnights, his vacation would consist of him going to bed at 3pm and waking up somewhere between 1am and 2am. Kinda puts a damper on your day.

I've been trying to talk him into taking a trip to LR where we lived for 3 1/2 years for Hubby's first job as an Assistant Manager. I would love to visit and see everyone that we had became friends with up there, and let them see our two beautiful children. We will see, we will see.

Letter to Hubby

Dear Hubby,

We need to talk. There are a few things that I need to bring to your attention that I don't think you know.

1. Your daughter and I get disgusted when we have to go to the bathroom and the lid is still up. It's not a hard job to put it is down, is it? I mean, I know that men all over the world have problems with this job, but can't you be different?
2. You have 1 more day before you have to work days. You need to get your sleep schedule turned around! I know, I know, "it's hard"," you try it", blah blah blah blah blah. MAKE YOURSELF DO IT!! You have to, otherwise, your first 12 1/2 hour shift at work is gonna kick your booty. And personally, I don't want to hear you whine about it doing just that!
3. I love you and your creativity. I love how you can turn a piece of ordinary wood, or an old antique desk, into a couple of different masterpieces. But for the love of all that is righteous...PLEASE DO NOT POLYURETHANE IN THE HOUSE!!! My head feels like its going to explode, and if mine feels that bad, think of how the kids feel. All the windows in the house and the front and back doors are open, trying to air out the place just because you didn't want to wait a few hours longer for it to dry before you can hang it out! Not cool, man, not cool!
4. Because of #3, the doors are only open for the time being because Sissy is asleep, hopefully that's all she is, and Bubba is in his highchair eating. Once he gets down, the doors will have to be shut once again, which makes it harder for the stench to escape the closed in portion called the house. Doesn't it say on the bottle to only use in a well ventilated area?? And don't you know that it's 50 degrees outside...not the type of weather where you want to windows and doors all open!

Love,

Your loving, caring, and understanding wife

A House is Just a House...

Things have been hectic around here lately. I guess that's why I haven't posted anything for over a week!

Sissy's 3rd birthday is 10 days away and we have yet to completely plan her party. We set a date and time, but found out today that we may have to move it. Hubby may end up having to work that day. Not quite sure yet.

So anyways, we have been trying to prepare our house for the party. Cleaning, organizing, throwing away, selling, and going through a bunch of stuff! We had a yard sale this past weekend and got rid of a bunch of stuff. Our garage looks a lot bigger without a bunch of junk in it. I guess that's what led me to start giong through all four closests, the junk drawers..yes we have more than one, and the kids dressers.

We have had the same kitchen table and chairs since we first got together about 8 years ago, and we hardly ever used them. So Hubby took an old antique dresser that we had, cut it up, combined it with our table, and made a desk out of it. He also bought some decor stuff from WM to make the house pretty more like a home instead of just a house. I would have loved to do some before and after pictures to post, but Hubby likes to surprise me. So when I woke up one morning, the table/dresser/desk was already almost done, and the next morning, the decor was almost all put up and done.

We have been SOOO excited about Hubby's promotion! We are already anticipating being able to buy a house this spring...hopefully! The fact that Hubby will be on days is way more special to me and the kids though!