A day of silence.

Singles Day

As normal, I get carried away with my "non-blog" life and I let too many things happen that should probably be documented for my memory. I'm laid up in ICU right now from a major asthma attack Friday so maybe I'll find the time to update from then to now. I don't however want to miss out on advertising my sweet baby sis who has given me persmission to put herself on display for all those southern gentlemen. Okay, so a little biased on who I wold want her to be with. But show her a good polite time and I'm sure we will be able to get along just fine.

My sister's name is Kellen. She is a beautiful & fun loving almost 19 year old. Happy Early 3 days to this fabulous lady:

 And some amazing blue eyes to top of that terrific smile!

She has this passion for The Word, Christ, and has that glow about her that shines brightly. She is by far one of the least bit judgemental person I know. If you are in an uncomfortable siuation or just need a kind smile, encouragement, or just simple advice, she is right there.

She currently at school at a smaller school in Athens, Georgia. It may not have been her first choice, but I love Athens so i'm okay with it. Right now she wants do somethin with Marine Biologist. I've seen her take a stab at 5 year old teaching when we were younger... yeah don't think that was the perfect route, a semi-profesh hairstyler traveling whereever you needed her to be... from riht there in your living room, to the back seat of the car on the go-er. Ha Yeah maybe the five to ten year old occupations stayed right where they needed to... in the vault!

One of her more recent hobbies is photographing. Any kind at that matter. She has an eye for nature but is amazing at self-photography.

 

I could continue but i'll leave the rest of gettin to know up to y'all!

Eleven Years Ago...

Most of this country can recall the smallest details of the moment they heard of this horrific historic event. Here's my story:

I was a freshman in High School. I had met my counselor at open house just a few weeks prior and we loved each other! Seriously, she would bend over backwards to get me in the classes I wanted. I was in Mr. Phipps coincidentally, Social Studies/Geography class. It was one of my favorite classes of the day 'cause my best friend was in it, thanks to my counselor. Our high school started a little later than most schools. First period began somewhere around 9ish. I remember Mr. Phipps being late to class. Once he got into the classroom almost 30 minutes late he gave off this cold & eerie feeling and I just knew we were doomed for a pop quiz in my worst subject! However, he walked over to the TV, & turned it on with no expression or words. I am embarrassed to say but at the time I was unfamiliar & naive to just exactly who Osama Bin Laden was, what the Twin Towers were, and where they even stood! Everyone just sat in silence for so long it seemed like. The principle came over the loud speakers and gave a brief speech on what had just occurred in our country. Most of the teacher's that day reacted the same. They didn't say much, just made sure the TV was on in every class and let us listen and learn. Around lunch time I began to feel scared because there were all these rumors about parents of students who were somehow involved (on the innocent side) and families were coming to get kids early. Other students were saying there would be many more attacks that day and it put pure fear inside me. I will never forget the feeling of knowing that so many innocent lives were taken that morning and thinking that it was not over. The faculty was disallowing students to contact their parents because of the chaos that was already occurring from families that had shown up. Cell phones weren't completely "in" then so I had no way of contacting anyone outside of school. I didn't know to the full extent of what had happened on September 11th, 2001 for a few days once teacher's were able to talk about it and news articles came up giving specific details and definitions. It is a day that I will take with me forever. I will never forget the heroes and I am more thankful than words can express for the heroes that place their lives on the line everyday for our freedom.

Totally Thoughts for Thursday...

It's been raining... all. day. long. No complaints here though! We soooo desperately need it! I wish it would wash away every bit of those pollen allergies!

This is my view from work. Not too shabby. But I'd much rather be snuggled in a cool bed...

&& not staring at this all day, but I will take some Taco Casa!

 

My prayers and thoughts do go out to those who have been affected by Issac!

So very random, but have y'all tried out the sally hansen nail salon effects???? Maddie and I are OBSESSED! Best invention ever!!! They are so easy to apply. They are a little pricey but, they last for literally forever! && you can find them on eBay for 1/4 the price! They come off pretty easy too! I tried this one this week and I think it may be my favorite design yet...

Here's a couple other's I've done. I'm telling you go get you some! You can thank me later!

 

These would be awesome for Alabama football coming up!!!

Just to prove my point... Maddie and I got this whole bundle on eBay over the summer for around $20! I think we've only used 3 packs!

 

 

 

 Speaking of....

Football Season is this weekend! Where did this year go!?!?! I'm in a house divided but not really. lol We both root for GA & AL except when they play each other! This time of year I love bein in the south!

Monday in Photos, Updates, & a twentieth 29th Birthday!

It's Monday! And I'm actually not sad about it! No, really! This weekend was relaxing and I accomplished so much so I was just ready to take on the week! I'm linking up with Ashlee & Savanah for Phone Photo Fun Monday to share about the weekend...

We spent most of the weekend cleaning! Like, wash all the curtains and maybe dust kind of cleanin'! I've been so busy with work and don't feel like we even got a spring that I just have neglected the hardcore cleaning around the house! I don't know how my laundry got this backed up! If you know me, you know my laundry schedule! I do a load a night! Don't ask! I have no clue how two people use so many clothing items in a day! Boo attempted to help but laundry is my thing so I think after I refolded the third item he tried at, he went back to his game on tv! ha He did however, put it all up :)

 So i was left with a clean living room!

I even took all the eyes and inserts out of the stove and washed those! So now that we have a clean house, let's see how long two people can keep it up! ha

While I was at my cleaning spree, I even rearranged the furnture, created so much more space in the living room and redecorated for FREE!

This spot in the living room is usually bare aside from my Pinterest inspired pallet frame. I borrowed a book shelf and some small decorations from other rooms and made a little nook! Love how it turned out!

 I tried a new recipe with stuff I just had on hand! All it consisted of was frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken, cooked chicken, sour cream, and cheese. It was DE-LISH!

My addiction to Pinterest got a little more intense this weekend.... The stand on the back of this frame broke but I just couldnt see throwing it away.

 

Other than that, we got some much needed relaxation. We also tried out a new church yesterday. We have known a guy for a while who just gives off this glow for God's love. His inspirational, caring, and loving personality are unlike anyone I've ever met. We finally took up his offer to attend service with him. I'm so glad we did! It was a more modern day church but we loved it! College has just started back up here in town so it was full of young folks seeking the Lord which made me smile! It was a big step for Brandt and I, and we can't wait to go back!

 

OH, and..... today is my sweet mommy's twentieth 29th birthday! I don't even know how that works, but every since I can rememeber, she's been turning 29! ha So, even though it's weird you're only 4 years older than me now mom, I love you always and forever! Happy Birthday!

 ~Around your fifth 29th birthday maybe? :)

Mom & I

 

And maybe the best news of the weekend.... this sweet boy

came home from Children's Hospital! Still not 100% better, but God is good and docs are working on finding out more!

 

I don't know what I'd do without my little comedian! Seriously, you have not met a funnier kid!

 

Happy Mondeee y'all!

Landon

My precious little brother is in pretty serious condition. His poor little body struggles with being anaphylactic (?). This means he is extremely allergic to peanuts; like just being in the same vicinity is a huge NO NO! Yesterday something went terribly wrong and he was exposed to something which caused him to have an allergic reaction. He is currently being treated in Atlanta. I know the blog world does wonders with prayers so I wanted to share this with you all and please ask for your help. I appreciate any and all your kind words and thoughts. Thanks loves!

I am alive!

Whew! It has been a crazy last couple of months for this work-a-holic! We had a huge project that little ole' me somehow became in charge of and was working literally 70 + hours a week! Sunday was the last evening to work overtime so now I'm back to having a life! Thank the Good LORD! I have so much to catch up on! My little sister graduated back in May, and now she's in college making me feel super old! My other little sissy had a birthday. Oh and there was July 4th, Bandit's ear problems, and most recently my asthma attacks! Yikes! However, I think I've proven to my bossman just how loyal and committed I am to my position. Saturday night I went to the local doc-in-a-box because I was having an attack come on but these have become the norm for me lately. I know, not so good. Anyway, after two steroid shots, 3 breathing treatments, and 60 mg of oral steroids, my oxygen level would not rise above 88. I knew I had one last day on my project for work and I just couldn't bare with the idea of leaving my boss empty handed in front of a judge after all the work we had put into it! So I sent him this text:

(It had to be documented that I was advised several times pretty harshly to go to the ER and be pumped full of steroids through an IV)

I also included in the text something along the lines of "I literally put my life on the line for my job :)"

Steroids have been doing their job and I'm on the way to feeling better. Thankfully no hospital visits have had to take place either! Oxygen is back up to 92 so there has been some improvement. Boo and I did a lot of research last night on home remedies for asthmatics. Who would have thought, daily massages can be extremely helpful at opening your airways and to suppress swelling? So we jumped on that last night! ha

Promise to catch up so soon!



Thank God it's Friday

Hope you have a great weekend! :)

Prayer Requests + a little catch up...

I have several prayer requests about things that have really been weighing on my mind.

1. Aimee Copeland. I did not know this beautiful girl personally myself, however I went to school with her sister Paige. Aimee is currently in critical condition after a home-made zip line broke during her turn to take the plunge across the Talapoosa River. She initially ended up with a large gash on her leg which was treated with around two dozen staples. This unfortunate "perfect storm" as ABC news chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser refers to the accident has turn into a horrific time for the Copeland family. Aimee is now fighting a very rare and dangerous desease called necrotizing fasciitis. It is a flesh eating disease that has so far taken one of Aimee's legs and will possibly take her fingers as well. My heart breaks for this family. I could not imagine how I would handle if this was my sister.

From left to right: Aimee, mother, father, Paige

Here are several links if you would like to follow along with Aimee's story:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/AimeeWePrayThatWeGetToSeeThatSmileAgain

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/18344584/fundraiser-held-for-student-battling-flesh-eating-bacteria?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7229764

She has been such an inspiration to the whole world on just how courageous and strong she is. I logged on to yahoo several days ago to see this on the home page...

2. Last year a friend of mine, Mary Beth lost her life due to an accident. Mary Beth had been having seizures since High School. Please help my best friend Emily donate for a great cause to help others in Mary Beth's shoes!

MAGNOLIA RUN 2012 FOR MARY BETH!!!

Mary Beth is on the far left.

My sweet sweet girlfriend Emily has the biggest heart and put together this group for Mary Beth! I know Mary Beth would have been laughing her ass off if she knew what Emily was doing in this pic! :)


Other than all that... what's been going on with me lately??

Had my first experience with this big ole' thing. And yes, it was as bad as you all said it would be! I hated being smothered. I hated wearing ear plugs. I only do that when the weather is bad so that's what they remind me of! ha The worst part of it was the noises. I could have sworn I got shot 30948230498 times in war by on of those whatchamacalit guns that shoot like dadadadadadadada. You know what I mean?! OH and I had like 5 sessions in it that would last around 5 minutes each. The guy doing it, don't get me wrong, was nice, but a little on the weird side! After each session, he would let me know through the speaker inside the tube that we were onto the next session AND he would grab my leg! I guess it was to make sure I was still okay but it freaked me out everytime!!! Still waiting on results...

Booger Bear has been absolutely soaking up this amazing weather lately!

He layed there all evening that night and watched me do my nails!

I'm tellin y'all! Y'all have got to try these Stick-ons! SO EASY!

Please excuse my toes! We had been outside!

I've been getting ready for my sister's graduation!

Seriously?!?! When did I get so freakin old?!?!

We have a LONG weekend planned coming up to watch this beautiful lady strut it across that grad stage! I know she will want me to whip out the blow horns, streamers, confetti and all get out. But I don't know if I'll even be able to pull my kleenex's out quick enough.
"Oh the places you will go, babygirl"

Can't wait to show you what all I've been working on for you...

Hint Hint

Somehow Boo and I have managed to inherit a green thumb from somewhere this year!

Don't know what kind this is...but I'll take it!!!

Brandt got some old bulbs (Is that what they're called flower people?) from a sweet little old lady he cuts grass for who thought they were too old and long gone to grow. We planted them and viola! Can't wait to see what blooms from them!

And is it just me or when you're in this situation, do you totally freak out!!!??? And I live on an old country road so if the straps break... where do I swerve???

Other than allllll that I'm getting ready for a LONG weekend in GAWGA (GA) with family! A trip to the Braves game! Kel's Graduation. And I'm sure lots of nail doing with Maddie! HA

I sent this to Brandt the other day and OMG he thought it was so amazing! HAHA

Happy Tuesday folks!



A post for granny!

I can't manage to finish a whole post so I figured my booger bear could make up for it! Granny (brandts mama) said her co-workers have been wanting to see bandit in action. Well here ya go! Here's our sweet baby boy...

I have been in the process of writing a post for like a week now! I just can't keep up with not having internet at home, work being so busy, and having my first MRI!!! I promise promise promise I'll be back soon!!!

4/27/11

Today is a very special day, dear to my heart, for two very special reasons!

First, it's Brandt's birthday!!!

My sweet Brandtey! You are seriously the most handsome man I've ever met.

Even in your country attire... irrisistable :)

You're sense of humor had me from the beginning! You are the funniest person I know.

You have an amazing heart. That is what I fell in love with.

You are the best daddy to booger bear! He loves you so much!

You still give me butterflies!

(My most favoritest pic of us ever!!!)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart. I love you forever and ever!

Secondly, today marks the one year anniversary of a devistation I hope to never witness again. I will never forget the early morning of Brandt's 24th birthday. I am a big scaredy cat when it comes to bad weather. We had been warned during the week prior that there was some bad weather headed our way but as most people thought, "It'll miss us". So there we were in bed around 5:30am, boo still asleep but hardly with the blaring background noise of the NOAA radio and the TV blaring. I had been up for several hours just making sure like I always did. Only a few short minutes later, James Spann was up on air (for the locals, he had his coat off... so you know somethings going on) and he was warning an area just several miles south of us that a tornado was on the ground. Before I could even react, the power went out. I grabbed Brandt and we huddled right outside our bedroom door in a small hallway. The sound to me was not that of a freight train but more of a huge tumbling boulder falling through a waterfall. All my feared body knew to do was scream. Brandt's reaction to my fear was so heroic. I was, and am still, so thankful he was by my side. He held me and began to hum very loudly in my ear to try and overpower the roars of the winds, debris, and everything else. He assured me that we would be okay. Our lives were within God's hands...he kept us safe.

Before you scroll any further... I just want to add a small disclaimer. I in NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM mean any offense to ANYONE by these pics. This was a time in history that I hope I never have to go through again. Also, this is Brandt's home town. He was born and raised here. It was important to us that we remember this time and have those memories to help us be thankful for our lives and futures.



The following two pics are from my way to work on April 28th. The town of Tuscaloosa was devasted. The town came together like I've never seen. It was a surreal scene for months after.

My heart is still in pain for those affected. But our God is an awesome God. And even in this storm, we praise Him. God Bless Tuscaloosa and all the other places that were hit on April 27th, 2011.