Frosted candle holders...

Yet another idea from Pinterest.  And these are VERY simple.

What you'll need:

• clear glass vases/candle holders
• rubber bands
• frosted spray paint

I actually found these at Target for around $2 a piece.

Place your rubber bands around the vases in what every pattern (or non-pattern) you like. Then spray paint with the frosted paint...best to do this outside!

Once dried (I let them sit for about 2 days after painting...mainly because I was busy with other stuff), remove the rubber bands.  Then put some really good smelling candles inside them and there you go..

They look great lit, don't they!



"No Sew" Ruffled Tree Skirt

This is a project that has taken me a few weeks to complete....simply because of time restraints (marathon training got in the way).  I would work on it for about 30 minutes a couple nights a week and I finally finished it last night.  I got this from Pinterest.  I just did my pattern a little different because the burlap is a very unique material to work with, especially when using hot glue on it.

What you'll need:

• about 4 yards each type of material you use (cut into about 4" wide strips)
• Rotary cutter and board
• your old tree skirt (or you can make one from a painter's tarp)
• glue gun
• LOTS of glue sticks
• and set your fingerprints to the side (because you won't have them after this - HA!)

I have tulle in this picture as well and had every intention of using it, but once I placed it on there, it didn't work out so well (your option to use or not).

I made base to the tree skirt from a painter's tarp.  I cut it to a 4' x 4' square, folded in half, then again to make a triangle.  Then I cut the bottom to make a "curve" and the top of the triangle to make the hole to go around the tree (sorry no actual pics of that part).

I started with about an inch of material hanging over the edge of the "base".

Add a strip of glue to bottom, fold ruffle and add another strip of hot glue, repeat, over and over and over and over again.

This is where I put the hot glue on the top to form the ruffle.  . 

Waahlaa - my formed ruffles...

 Only partially done...

Finally....the finished product.

Turned out to be a very pretty tree skirt that I hope to use for many years to come. 

5 hours & 38 minutes after crossing starting line...

Yep, that's right.  The St. Jude Memphis Marathon was this past weekend.  I have been stressed out for the last couple months.  And it got here way too fast!!  Just as I figured, I was a pot of nerves all the way to the event.  I felt sick at my stomach, but then we got there and all my nerves flew away as soon as I got in my "corral".  Yes..."corral".  For those that don't know what that is, let me explain.  Because it would be absolutely ludicris to have 18,000 people start off running at the exact same time (b/c the half and full marathoners were running together), they do "wave starts".  A corral is a section marked w/ your pace per mile based off of a previous half marathon or full marathon.  I started in corral 8.  At 8am, the first corral went, then 2 minutes later, the 2nd corral went, and so on.  Then came my turn.  Our corral took off.  We ran through downtown, thru St. Jude's grounds, by zoo, audubon park and then headed back downtown.  Once downtown, the half marathoners turned right heading towards the Redbirds stadium to finish and the full marathoners went straight to complete the course.  I was still feeling good at the halfway mark (13.1 miles).  Then at mile 15, the battery on my phone died so I couldn't listen to my music anymore (UGH).  I was tiring pretty quickly, but the problems really started setting in at mile 20.  My right foot/ankle felt like it was swollen to twice it's normal size.  My left knee felt like it was about to fall off.  It hurt every single time I landed on that side...and that was even with a knee brace on.  And I had 6.2 miles still to run.  At about mile 21, my body could no longer take it.  I have to squat on the side of the road to stretch my leg muscles.  I wanted to sit down, but I was so afraid that if I did sit, I would NOT be getting back up unless there was a vehicle there to take me home.  So, between mile 21 and 26.2, I did a lot of walking/running.  I was in tears at a couple points due to the pain my knee was enduring.  And I wanted so badly to quit several times, but....I just kept thinking of all those kids that I was doing this for.  It wasn't for me.  I can say that I've run a marathon, but some of those kids at St. Jude are not guaranteed tomorrow.  So, 5 hours and 38 minutes after taking off, I crossed that finish line.  I was never so happy to see a finish line as I had been then.  But it was all worth it knowing how much we all helped those kids out.  The below is a pic of me at the start....

Now, you will never see a pic of me at the end (not a good image of me), but as my daughter says "you get what you get and you don't pitch a fit" (now if only she would heed her own advice). 

It's that time...

Bernard, our Elf on the Shelf..

Ok, I'm going to be updating this blog through the month of December.  As many others have, we also "adopted" an Elf on the Shelf.  My daughter, Cooper, named him Bernard after the main elf on The Santa Clause (she loves that movie). 

He first arrived on Saturday, November 26, 2011.  This picture was BEFORE she named him and officially adopted him.  Once he was adopted he had magical powers from Santa and we could no longer touch him. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011:  This is what Bernard was doing when we found him before church.  She was none too pleased that he had her baby barbie dolls and her horse.  She also did not like that he had her barbie boots on and didn't understand why.  I told her that his feet must have been cold after traveling to the north pole and that he needed them to warm his feet up. 

Monday, November 28, 2011...Bernard was MIA this morning as Cooper had behaved so badly Sunday after church.  She would not listen to anything I asked her to do and told me several times, "no".  Apparently, that did not sit well with Bernard.  She was not happy that she couldn't find him before she went to school.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011....Bernard is still MIA.  :(  I think he was still upset over how bad she had been.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011.  We found Bernard hanging from a scarf hanger in my room with a letter from Santa Clause in his arms. 

Here is the actual letter.  I typed it up in just a couple minutes and had one of the guys at work sign "Santa's signature" to make it look realistic (the one below is before the signature).  I noted her bad behavior, but I also wanted to point out good things that she had done as well.  She was blown away by how much Bernard had told Santa.  Needless to say, I did not have any problems out of her that night.  She even helped me go through her toys and donate some of them to other kids who's parents couldn't afford things like what she had. 

Thursday, December 1, 2011: She found Bernard on the kitchen table with her characters from Toy Story.  She couldn't believe that he had all of them sitting there reading them a book AND that he was sitting on a chair from her barbie house.  When I told her that it looked like Bernard and the Toy Story people had a little party without us, she looked at me so seriously, shook her head yes, and said "they shouldn't do that".  I told her that it probably would have been a better party if they had invited us to it.  She told me that they should have invited us to have fun, too. 

Friday, December 2, 2011 - It looks as though Bernard has decided to start fraternizing with Bride Barbie.  I think he's a little googly-eyed over this girl...you know, with the bonfire and roasted marshmallows.  Plus, we noticed that he has his arm wrapped around Barbie.  It seems as though Ken still in complete shock at how he lost his bride-to-be to Bernard of all people....err, I mean, of all elves.

Cooper loved this one.  She thought it was funny and was amazed that he had a little fire going...

Saturday, December 3 and December 4, 2011 - Cooper was with her dad this past weekend so Bernard stayed with Santa for the weekend (thank goodness b/c I was not much in the mood to help Bernard out after the marathon). 

Monday, December 5, 2011 - She is coming home today to this.  Looks as though Bernard has decided to become an acrobat.  And he's roped the gorilla into helping.  I actually think he decided to have a little party w/ her stuffed animals while she was away.  Bernard thought about adding confetti, but then figured that might be too much to clean up later (good thinking, cuz the streamers are enough).



Well, I can tell you that as soon as she rounded the corner last night after getting home and she saw this, she started hollering for me to come look (and I still had arms/hands full of stuff).  She just could not believe what Bernard had done.  And even more so, she couldn't believe where Bernard was.  She didn't get why he did that to her room.  I told her that he decided to have a little party while we were gone.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - This morning when Cooper woke up, she no longer found Bernard hanging from the gorilla in her room, but he sure left the mess there.  She was not too pleased with that.  After searching for about 10 minutes (literally), I heard, "MOMMA, MOMMA, I FOUND BERNARD.  COME HERE FAST!!!" (and yes, it's in all caps b/c she was screaming it out whilst jumping up and down). 

Yep, he was in the den sitting in with my candle.  Momma was none too pleased about that.  So, Cooper decided to have a little heart to heart w/ Bernard.  I heard the first couple sentences to Bernard...it went something like this: "Now listen, Bernard.  You keep making a mess and getting into things you shouldn't..." and that's about all I heard b/c I went back to get ready for work.  So, tonight if we sit down to watch a tv program, we will have the little stinker looking at us the whole time...I wish Bernard had really thought this through before deciding on that particular spot as he sort of has this creepy little smurk on his face that can be intimidating, even for an "elf".  HA!!  Oh well, hopefully not again. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - Well, it didn't take Cooper very long this morning to spot Bernard.  He was up to no good again (though, not as bad as past shenanigans).  I had put out some handmade gifts last night after Cooper went to bed just to get them out of the way.  Apparently, Bernard assumed they were his...  Cooper thought it was so funny to see the back end of Bernard hanging out of the gift bag.  I have to admit, it does look silly. 

*sigh*...

Update to my list..

1.  Do a 20 mile run (slatted for the weekend of 11/19/11 - in preparation for the full marathon)
2.  Turkey Trot 4-miler @ Shelby Farms (scheduled for 11/24/11)
3.  Frame & matte large picture (Christmas gift)
4.  Put Big Wheels together (from Santa for both Cooper and Grace)
5.  Make Ruffle (no sew) tree skirt - this one will take some time, I'm sure (CURRENTLY IN PROCESS)
6.  Make cinnamon honey butter  **Project to do w/ Coop**
7.  Make "Kitty Chow" **Project to do w/ Coop**
8.  Make Hairbow holder for Grace (Christmas gift)
9.  Complete yarn wreaths (Christmas gifts)
10. Make mini Christmas trees w/ styrafoam base **Project to do w/ Coop** (btw, Coop loved doing this)
11. Pick up ham for Christmas
12. Run St. Jude Full Marathon (set for 12/3/11) - I DID IT!!  And it's over, FINALLY!!
13. Pick out Christmas Tree & decorate  *Project to do w/ Coop*
14. Pack up summer items & place in attic
15. Pull winter items down from attic
16. Cardboard "peepholes" up on house for winter (it's an OLD house)
17. Create list of items to make for Christmas dinner & buy needed items (if you know me, you know why this is on my "Project" list)
18.  Find time for sleep inbetween all that....somehow!

Almost done, but now I've added a few more:

19. Paint (clean up, mostly) old window frame, place mats on panes and apply "love" quote (gift to my BF's sister to place some of her wedding photos in).
20.  Make wreath for BF's mom.
21.  Buy inexpensive vases, place rubber bands around them and spray paint w/ frosted paint (CURRENTLY IN PROCESS)
22.  Create paper mache Christmas trees

*sigh*....MUST stay off Pinterest till AFTER Christmas.

Where do I begin??

It's been a couple weeks since I last posted, but there has been SOOO much going on.  Of course, the Thanksgiving holidays came upon us...and fast, I think.  But I didn't fuss about it because this year I didn't have not one single place I had to be nor did I have to cook not a single dish!  I am THANKFUL for that. 

I took a vacation day on 11/23.  My daughter and I were out and about most of the day running errands.  Then we came home and did a craft project which she enjoyed.  Then that night she went to her dad's to spend Thanksgiving w/ him.  So, Thanksgiving morning, I got up and....

Yep, you got it.  I participated in an annual tradition.  It's called the Turkey Trot 4 Miler and Turkey Relay.  I ran the entire 4 miles and finished in 37 minutes and 13 seconds with a time of 9 mins, 18 secs per mile.  I think that was pretty good.  I was happy with that.  So, from there, I went straight home and started (notice how I said "started" as this will take some time to complete) the holiday CLEANING.  Oh how I hate it, but it has to be done. 

Later that night, I decided to finish a wreath that I was making for my aunt for Christmas...

Anyways, yes, I created this entire thing.  I also did one for my grandmother and I will do one for my boyfriend's mom and sister for Christmas. That night, I figured my dinner was going to be whatever I came up with in the kitchen (probably a bowl of cereal, which I was fine with), but Hunter called and said that he had saved a plate for me from what they had made at the fire department that day.  So, I went and ate up there and spent some time w/ him.

On Friday, I went w/ Hunter and his daughter to his mom's for Thanksgiving Lunch.  It was nice to meet some of his family and spend some time w/ them.  After that, I went home and finished the wreath for my grandmother.  Now, I've got their Christmas gifts finished...thank goodness. 

Saturday morning, I got Cooper Grace at 8 from her dad and brought her home to show her that Santa had left her a gift (way early).  She opened it and was surprised when she saw the Elf on the Shelf.  We read the story book that came w/ him and then she decided to name him Bernard....after the main elf on The Santa Clause (w/ Tim Allen).  I thought that fit very well.  She was all excited after we "adopted" him and he had magical powers then.  So up on the shelf he went until that night when he went to the North Pole.  So, after that, we went to pick out our Christmas tree.  Yes, I lugged this thing in ALL BY MYSELF.  It was not easy as it probably weighs 50 pounds and is 7 foot tall, but I did it.

For the rest of the day, we ran errands and I had to take her to buy her new pants after I just bought some a few months ago.  The child has grown 4 inches (exaggeration, but it sure seems that way) overnight.  Every pair of pants I put on her came above her ankles.  So, she is now stocked up on winter pants...that is, until her next growth spurt. 

Sunday morning, we woke up to this:

Yep, that's Bernard.  She was NOT happy that he had her horse and dolls, too.  She kept asking why he was wearing her Barbie's boots.  I told her that I guess his feet got cold while he was at the North Pole and needed the boots to warm them up.  She finally got past all that, but still wasn't happy about it, I don't think.  And Bernard no longer seems to have an affect on her behavior, because after we got home from church Sunday, she was a child on a rebellion streak the rest of the day/night.  I thought I was going to pull every last strand of hair out of my head before I finally got her to bed last night.  Well, this morning when she got up, Bernard was missing in action.  No where to be seen.  I think he will be missing for a couple days (while she is at her dad's) and then when he does show back up, he will have a letter from Santa noting her bad behavior (I'm HOPEFUL that will work on her).  

So, tonight when I get home, I will start working on this project:

I will be putting rubber bands around them and then spray painting them w/ "frosted" paint.  Found this idea on Pinterest and decided that I had to do it.  Plus, I really need to start on my ruffled tree skirt.  Think I'll start that tonight as well. 

Ahhh, so much to do...so little time to do it in.

Got that 13.1 behind me...

Since I got the wild hair in me to run the St. Jude Full Marathon coming up in Memphis on 12/3/11, I decided that I needed to run a half marathon before I got to the actual full marathon.  As I was driving to Tupelo, MS to the run (about 1 & 1/2 hours from my house), I had all these thoughts going through my head (and that's a long time to be thinking before a run like that).  My stomach was all in knots....had dozens...no, HUNDREDS of butterflies going through it. I just kept thinking to myself, what had I gotten myself into and why in the world would I sign up for the half, much less the full marathon.  Then, my head cleared up. I told myself that no matter what, I could do this.  I was ready for this.  I had to finish it no matter how hard it turned out to be.  I run because I enjoy it and I wasn't going to let fear take over.  

I got there with about 20 minutes to spare.  It was cold and windy, which made it seem even colder.  After I checked in, got my bibb (paper that you pin to your clothes that has your number on it and a timing chip on it), I decided to sit in my truck and get myself "ready".  About 5 minutes before it started, I headed towards the start line.  I did some stretching and got my music ready to listen to while I run.  We waited for the prayer and national anthem and then "POW", time to start running.  I usually freak myself out at this point trying to keep up with the other runners, but I remembered what I had been told before..."take it easy on long runs or you will never make it to the end".  I have found that to be very useful advice.  So, I found someone that seemed to be running at the same pace I was and stayed behind that person until they started to slow down. 

I felt really good during the run.  Started feeling a little tired after about mile 8, but I kept on.  Then on mile 11, the BURN set in.  Oh boy!!!  I really, really thought about quitting at that point, but told myself it would take WAY longer to walk those final 2 miles than to just run it.  So, that's what I did.  The kicker was that the 2nd part of the half marathon, we were running directly into the wind.  That made it so much tougher.  I was never so glad to see a finish line as I was when I crossed that one.  And for it being my very first half marathon, I think I did pretty well with a finishing time of 2 hours and 23 minutes.  Not too bad!!

Now, time to prep for the Full Marathon that's in 19 days.  *sigh*

Upcoming projects I have to complete...

Since the holidays are upon us now (and they came faster than I had hoped), this year I have decided to get creative.  I know, I know...not normally my forte', but I'm gonna give it a shot.  Here's my list of items to work on and projects I have to get completed before Christmas:

1.  Do a 20 mile run (slatted for the weekend of 11/19/11 - in preparation for the full marathon)
2.  Turkey Trot 4-miler @ Shelby Farms (scheduled for 11/24/11)
3.  Frame & matte large picture (Christmas gift)
4.  Put Big Wheels together (from Santa for both Cooper and Grace)
5.  Make Ruffle (no sew) tree skirt - this one will take some time, I'm sure
6.  Make cinnamon honey butter  **Project to do w/ Coop**
7.  Make "Kitty Chow" **Project to do w/ Coop**
8.  Make Hairbow holder for Grace (Christmas gift)
9.  Complete yarn wreaths (Christmas gifts)
10. Make mini Christmas trees w/ styrafoam base **Project to do w/ Coop**
11. Pick up ham for Christmas
12. Run St. Jude Full Marathon (set for 12/3/11)
13. Pick out Christmas Tree & decorate  *Project to do w/ Coop*
14. Pack up summer items & place in attic
15. Pull winter items down from attic
16. Cardboard "peepholes" up on house for winter (it's an OLD house)
17. Create list of items to make for Christmas dinner & buy needed items (if you know me, you know why this is on my "Project" list)
18.  Find time for sleep inbetween all that....somehow!

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few items and I will add as I remember.  Sometimes I think I've taken on too much.  Since I've got my Christmas shopping done, hopefully this will go pretty smoothly.  Wish me luck!!!

Ok, so I'm totally addicted...

to this website called Pinterest.  Oh.  My.  Word!!  It is fantastic.  I am so glad that I discovered it before Christmas time b/c I'm getting so many DIY ideas to use as Christmas gifts.  Now, if you know me, then you know that I'm not usually one to be "crafty", but I'm coming to find that I actually enjoy it....that is, when I can sit still long enough to actually create something.  PLUS....it's a big money saver.  And I usually don't have the patience to do a "crafty DIY project".  But so far I am.  I've started creating 2 yarn wreaths as gifts.  And I'm going to create my own ruffle tree skirt this year.  Really need to get started on it so that it's ready for when I get the tree.  And I think I'm going to let Cooper make a few of her own ornaments this year as well. 

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Normally I dread the holidays, especially Christmas.  The stores ALWAYS put the decorations out way too early and start playing Christmas music on Halloween.  That is exactly why I don't like Christmas music.  It doesn't matter where you go, the local pharmacy, walmart, target, boutiques, doctor's offices, even hunting & fishing stores...the Christmas music is playing.  And most of the time, it doesn't matter what radio station you listen to, either. 

Now, I used to be the kind of person that had every nook and crannie decorated w/ Christmas nick nacks.  It would take me hours to unpack and put up in just the right place.  The tree (artifical) had to be perfectly decorated w/ about a thousand white lights along with every Christmas ornament I could find and a star on top.  Every window had a beautifully docorated wreath on it positioned perfectly.  The mailbox even had some Christmas ribbon on it.  Once all that was set up, I couldn't wait for Christmas to get here.  The joy of opening those gifts and seeing the faces of those you loved because they got just what they were wanting.  Then the agony of having to put all those decorations back up until the next year.

Well, reality set in a few years back.  I no longer have the time nor want to spend time decking my house out in all that "stuff" when I could be putting my time towards something else....like spending it with my daughter.  So, last year, we decided to have a real tree for the very first time ever!!  It was a little bit of a hassle to have to make sure it had plenty of water, but we LOVED it!!  I still decorate it in white lights, but now my ornaments consist mostly of things my daughter has made over the years.  I cherish being able to pull those items out every year and let her put them on our tree.  I don't get stressed out if the ornaments aren't spaced perfectly or aren't facing foward.  Once the tree is decorated, then goes the wreath on the front door.  And that, my dear, is our decorations.  My daughter and I decided that we don't need all those fancy decorations to be happy. 

Every since my daughter was born, I have gone overboard on showering her w/ Christmas gifts.  She always has gotten tons and tons of stuff.  So much so, that the past couple years, it has taken her a couple days just to go through them all.  Well, a light bulb went off last year...."mom, your buying her way too many things!". Besides the fact that she can't open them all on Christmas, she just doesn't have the room for all those things in her bedroom.  So, this year....I have decided to skim that list down dramatically!! 

And I've also decided that I'm going to be completely done shopping by mid-October.  And...I've almost got that accomplished!  YAY me!!  Just a couple more things for my daughter and my boyfriend's daughter and then I'm done!!  Already done shopping for my boyfriend (great surprises for him).  And I ordered most of the stuff online.  Ahhh, the ease and joy of shopping from your computer.  No need to fight the cold weather, those crowds of swinging arms, cursing mouths, angry mobs, and long lines only to get a gift you're really not sure that someone special will even like or want.  Plus, buying it now, pretty much guarantees that the item will be in stock and that it will be delivered to my door. 

It's College Football time...

It surely is that time of year again.  The time that so many of us have been waiting on, College Football.  SEC football to be exact...at least for those of us down here in the south.  We take our football serious!  We love a good game even if our team loses.  We have lots of great sportsmanship.  There's about nothing else that can keep us glued to the TV or at the games for a solid 3 months.  Just waiting on that next touchdown so we can jump up and down while chanting the Fight Song. 

I'm just going to go ahead and say it....I'm an Ole Miss fan and have been for many a year. 

ARE....YOU....READY????
Hotty Toddy, Gosh all Mighty,
Who the Hell are we?...hey!
Flem Flam, Bem Bam
Ole Miss by Damn!

Just something about being a fan of a true southern college....or what used to be, anyway!  We are no longer the Rebels, but have been down-graded to the "Bears".  Really????  I'm still confused on why exactly our mascot changed, but I will ALWAYS be a REBEL at heart.  And no one or nothing will ever take that from me.  Besides, the school's colors are RED, WHITE & BLUE!!

So, for those of us that take college football as serious as we do, it's hard not to want to give a few words of advice to those that supposedly don't follow it, but want to complain about it.  As I was in a meeting at work, we began talking about football games from this past weekend (while we were waiting on everyone to arrive to the meeting).  One person was asked why they were so quiet about the games while everyone else was throwing their "2 cents" in.  The reply was, "Oh, I don't follow college football, but I hate Ole Miss and Tennessee".  Really?  I mean, REALLY???  How can you hate a team, but yet you don't even follow any football teams?  This person was asked that as well and the response was, "I can't stand to see anyone all decked out from head to toe in Ole Miss or TN gear".  I say you best be moving to a foreign country and a remote one at that because around these here parts, that's just what we do.  My vehicle is even decked out from front to back.  And I dare you....no, I double dog dare you to say anything about that!! 

I think I'll come to work all decked out in Ole Miss gear every Friday until the end of November, complete w/ my face stickers...just for the heck of it!!

GO REBELS!!! (and yes, I already know they suck!)

Never Forgotten...Forever Grateful

I got up yesterday morning feeling a little different than I normally do.  I knew it was the 10 year anniversary of when America was attacked and the souls of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93 had no idea what was coming (as did the rest of America).  Somehow, I feel as though, even with us not knowing what was coming or really...what was happening when it happened, the people of the towers, pentagon and flight 93 fought for each and every one else in America.  They did their civil duties by standing up to these terriorist.  I actually remember where I was when the attacks were happening.  Quite a few of us went to watch it all on the only...barely working...tv in the company.  As I stood there with the rest of my co-workers and watched in absolute horror, all I could think was, "What is going on?  How could someone do this?".  My life, along with just about everyone else in America and across the world, had been changed forever. 

So, with that said, I decided to get up and find out what DeSoto County had in store to commemorate the 10 year anniversary.  To my surprise, I had a really hard time finding any kind of "celebration" if you will, going on.  Before I even left the little town that I live in, I ran across flags that were put out for all the souls (all 2977 of them...that's less the 19 hijackers) lost on that day (see pictures).  I can say that I was honored to live in a town where we recognize those people.  I had to stop and capture this because it took some time to put all those flags out and everyone lost truly deserved the recognition.  I don't know what I would do if I were ever put in that situation, but I can say that those people are heroes in my eyes. 

As I kept driving through DeSoto County, I could not find anything else to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary.  And I find that a true shame!!  I even texted my boyfriend (of whom is a firefighter and was at the FD that day) and  if they were participating in anything for the 10 year anniversary.  He said that they were not.  Amazed and Ashamed!!



On my way back home from driving all over DeSoto County, I did see the below.  I was in absolute amazement.  Someone had taken a lot of time and money to do this and it was GORGEOUS!!

"We Remember"...

 Side and Front of Trailor

Back of Trailor

Be Safe and GOD BLESS!

Lord, please let my brain work today...

Call me old, call me crazy, but these days when I say I'm taking a vacation day...well, that usually means I'm taking the day off to catch up on things.  There really is no "vacation" happening.  egh!!  I don't guess I've really taken a true vacation in probably 7 years or so.  The last "out of town" trip I've been on before taking my daughter to a water/amusement park this past weekend, was back in July.  My boyfriend and I did a little 3 day get away to Hot Springs.  We just took it easy and enjoyed our time together.  It was nice, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't sitting on the beach with the ocean waves touching your feet, sun shining on your face and a nice adult beverage in your hand at all times.  It seems as though everyone in the free world went to the beach this summer EXCEPT ME!!

Anyways, before I get off on a tangent (oh how I'd like to do that), today is my Friday.  A very short (but long) work week.  It always seems as though things fall apart at work when you try to take time off.  Why is that?  I think the sales reps catch wind of me wanting to take a day off here or there and decide to bombard me w/ one request after another.  And when they don't get their way, they get their shorts in a twist.

So, tomorrow I've decided to make it about ME!  After I drop my daughter off at school (she will be with her dad the whole weekend), I think I will go for my run (want to try to get in 8 miles).  Then me and my camera will become acquanited again.  I miss my camera after about a week of it being put up.  You know how most people feel naked w/out their cell phones and feel like the world is coming to an end....well, I'm the same way about my cell phone, but also about my camera.  I feel like sometimes when I put the lens up to my eye, the world speaks to me in a different way than it does w/out my camera.  Photography is one of my passions.  My first passion is my daughter, of course.  I'm no professional at it, but I'm aiming towards that goal.  I've had many a compliments on several of my shots and I'm proud of the work I do. Once I get it set in my head that I'm going to take my camera out, I get antsy!  I want to do it right then and there...no more wasiting time.  Only thing is....the folks at work probably wouldn't appreciate it very much if I just up and did that.  HA!! 

So, if I can get my brain to function long enough to get me through the rest of this day, then tomorrow is mine!   I might even treat myself to a new pair of shoes or boots....like I really need them, right???  Maybe just a photo of them anyways. 

The Rush of Everyday Life...

Ok, I'm new to this whole "blogging" thing, but I figured what better way to expose the everyday life of a single mom than to blog, right?  I mean...people naturally want to know about others...the good, the bad and the ugly...and the gossip.  People also naturally want to know what other people think about things....without actually having to LISTEN to them. 

Well, just to give you a little introduction about me...I'm a single, working mom of a 5 year old daughter.  Her dad and I share custody of her and we live in the same town...about 2 minutes from each other.  Yes, you read that right.  We live very close to each other, BUT that doesn't mean that we get along or that we ever see each other unless necessary.  He is remarried (6 months to the day our divorce was final).  More about all that later...when the time warrants.  I work a full time job and I also do photography on the side (you may see some pics from time to time).  I work out about 6 days a week and I run a LOT!! 

Ok...now onto the more important things.  I'll start off with things that tend to urk me.  I know I'm not perfect and sometimes I still don't know what I'm doing when it comes to parenting.  I've made mistakes and I know I will continue to make mistakes, but the way I raise my child is what I see as fit for her and to the best of my abilities.  To have someone say to me, "well you should let her have that bowl of ice cream...for lunch", just doesn't tend to sit well with me.  Just because you let your child do something does not necessarily mean that I will let my child do that same thing.  I don't let her run wild through stores, talk back, disrepect others, disrepect me, eat candy, etc, etc.  She knows the rules in momma's house.  I'm not an overly strict parent, but she understands that rules are rules and she needs to follow them.  Although, she may  not understand that she doesn't get her way all the time, she does understand what happens when she throws a fit.  Since I don't believe in disciplining with "spanking" or "whooping", I take things away (i.e. toys, babydolls, leapster) and she stands in the corner (a minute for each year of her age).  And I don't have a problem with putting her in time out if she acts out while we are out in public, either.  Just another moment for a lesson learned. 

So, to end this at this time....I raise my child the way I see fit and you raise your child the way you see fit. 

Maybe more later tonight.  Ready to spend time with baby girl.