The Ramblings of my Life

100!

2009-11-09T16:44:00.003-06:00

This is my 100th post! I know I total stink at this blog thing. So this time I'm not even going to say I'm going to do better that way I don't let you or myself down, HA! Really our lives aren't that exciting to write about. But since I haven't blogged since August I'll give y'all a rundown on things.

Brayden & I have started bowling. Sad thing his average isn't much lower than mine. Granted he has the bumpers & I don't.

We have FINALLY!!! started adjusting to our new school schedule. Things were a little rough there at the first. Many of mornings I either walked out of the house highly annoyed @ Shawnn & Brayden or I wanted to cry.

We had our 1st ever Parent/Teacher conference. I have to admit I was a little nervous. I'm so not one of those mom's that think her child is perfect. Actually he's far from it. IT WENT GREAT!!!!! I left there so proud of our lil guy. He's right where he needs to be. His teacher said he's a great student & very eager to learn. He's like a little sponge, he soaks everything up! I love going home in the evenings to hear all about his day. They learn a new word each week that they call their popcorn word. On Monday evenings he can spell it & use it in a sentence. Just amazing. They are learning how to read too, so he's constantly sounding out words. Again, just amazing! I'm sooooo glad he loves school & hopefully he continues to be a star student & an eager beaver...HA!

Brayden got an award at school.....Each month each class in the school has a STAR student....Well Mr. Brayden was the STAR student for the month of Oct.

I went through a spell of dr. visits. I went to the dr. 3 times in 3 weeks for 3 different things! NO FUN!!! & NO INSURANCE....yeah it stunk but I'm all better, thank goodness. First time I had a bad sinus infection. It started the Sunday before Labor Day. I was very sick Tuesday, started feeling better but by Friday I was worse. Then a week after that my left hip started hurting to the point I could barely walk. I had hip bursitis, I'm not even sure I meet the age requirements! A week after that my right ankle started swelling again. Long story short on the ankle I had a hairline fracture back in April 08 that I didn't know about. Fell again in Oct. 08 stayed swollen for over 2 weeks. That's how I found out about the hairline fracture. I thought that the swelling was from my hip hurting & I was putting more weight on my ankle. Well it continued. By Wed. afternoon from my toes to my knee were so swollen I couldn't bend my leg. Go back to the dr. & he says it could possibly be a blood clot. Well at that moment I didn't hear much else. Sorry but that was a little scary. Especially when I ask if I should be concerned & he says to me well just for the next 30 minutes!!! Apparently, he also said he didn't really think that's what it was but wanted to be on the safe side. Thank goodness Shawnn was with me. No blood clot, still not sure what the deal is.

Halloween was good. Busy but fun! Brayden was worn out within a hour. He was so excited he used up all his energy at the beginning. He was Bumble Bee from Transformers. I wish he was still little & couldn't voice his opinion on what he wants to be for Halloween. I'm just not a big fan of those cheap costumes.

I can't believe we're already into the month of November! Seriously, it feels like I just celebrated Christmas & now it's getting to be that time again.

Well I think I've covered everything, well that's worth sharing.

Off To School

2009-08-21T10:53:00.007-05:00

Hello All!!! I'm sure you're doing a double take about now, seeing as how it's been three months since my last post.

Our big boy started Kindergarten this past Wednesday!!! It was a very bittersweet time for us, being done with daycare & saving almost $400 a month but that also means Brayden's growing up! He was super excited & did great. He wasn't shy at all. I was very thankful for that, I kept telling him "there's no reason to be shy". I remember always being shy & it's normal, I guess. But now that I'm older I look back I think why??.

Here's Brayden enjoying a muffin & some cartoons before his Big Day

Bugga & Howie stopped by to wish him well.....unfortunely I didn't get a pic with Howie just Bugga

Daddy & Brayden

Mommy & Brayden

I of course got a tad emotional but nothing to noticeable,haha! I was able to take off early so I could go pick him up after school. Nana was also able to come down for his big day. Unfortunely, she wasn't here to see him off but she was here when he got out of school. He had a great day & was ready to go back the next day.

Life's Been Crazy Lately

2009-04-28T10:27:00.002-05:00

The month of April has been a whirlwind for me. It's gone by so fast but at the same time it feels like it's been so slow, I know probably doesn't make sense. I'm not ready to talk about everything that's been happening this month, but I wanted to share some quotes I've found lately.

~Life is uncharted territory-It reveals it's story one moment at a time~ Leo Buscaglia

~Life is a classroom in which each of us are being tested, tried & passed~ Robert Thibodeau

~In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back~ Charlie Brown

~Nothing can bring you peace but yourself~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~May we never let things we can't have, or don't have, or shouldn't have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have & can have. As we value our happiness, let us not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the things we cannot or should not have~ Richard L Evans

Making a Change

2009-03-27T15:08:00.002-05:00

I've always had problems with migraines & over the past few years they've gotten worse. With the anti-depressant I'm on I can't take anything other than over the counter migraine medicine. If I don't take that at the first sign of one it doesn't work. So while I was at the dr. this past Saturday(sick with upper respitory stuff) I talked to him about any new meds being out that I could take for my migraine. This led to us talking about why I was on an anti-depressant. He mentioned to me that I should try to get off of it, especially with me having migraines so I can take migraine medicine. I've wanted to for a while but honestly I've always been a little nervous. This time I'm not so much, I really feel like I'll be ok without it. I was put on the medication because of post-partum, well it's been almost 5 yrs. ago so I should be ok.

A Pic Post

2009-03-06T12:56:00.012-06:00

I realize I'm lousy about posting pics & to be quite honest I love looking at bloggers pics more than reading the post. So I really should do a better job, and I know I've said it 1000 times I'm going to start posting more & posting more pics and then never do. Honestly I just never think about taking my camera everywhere we go & then when I do think about the camera the dang battery is dead. SOOOO again I'm going to try to get better

My lil booger bear is out of town until tomorrow, momma's really missin' him too. I talked to him this morning & said "are you ready to come home"? his reply, "nope!! no siree"!! He must've forgot all about his Batman & Robin game. I'm so thankful he enjoys going to his nana & pawpaw's, it's such a great bonding time for them & he's making so many memories. But also mommy & daddy get a break & a chance to hang out.

So enough rambling here are some pics, hope you enjoy!!!!

Christmas '08

Jette & Brayden sportin their Handy Manny jammies
Max & Brayden @ the park

Better Luck Next Time.....Or At Least I Hope

2009-03-04T12:00:00.002-06:00

I'm sure the title of this post explains enough, well that is if you read the previous post. But I didn't pass my insurance test, I missed it by 5 questions. I was told it was a very difficult test & man was it!!! I knew the material & the questions were easy to read but the possible answers were HARD. It was a multiple choice test & alot of the answers were similiar. I went through the test once then went back through it a second time so it's not like I hurried through it. The fail rate is very high & my boss said it well "it's a very humbling test". I get to reschedule tomorrow so the plan is to try again next week. I'll know what to expect so hopefully my nerves won't be as bad. They do tell you what areas you didn't do good in so I can study those areas for next time.

Tomorrow's The BIG Day

2009-03-03T14:35:00.002-06:00

Shawnn & I are headed after work to Springdale for the night. I have to be @ Pearson Vue by 7:30 am to get ready to take my insurance test. I'm so ready for this to be over with. Test make me nervous & this one is really taking a toll on me. So many people don't pass & well if I don't pass I'll be compeletly humilated. I mean I've worked in insurance for 3 yrs. (gosh is that even possible, I'm getting so old) so I should know this stuff. I'm feeling very confident right now & hope my confidence doesn't leave me once I start the test. I have 3.5 hours to take it so I'll have plenty of time.

I have to admit that I wasn't really looking forward to this whole idea of me getting my license but now I'm pretty stoked about it. It's something I'll always have & can do something with. I mean lets face it, we have to have insurance, no way of getting around it. Well some people do I guess.

I've studied my hinny off for it too. Pretty much any free moment that I've had has been spent with my nose in that book. I wish they would tell you what you scored but they don't unless you fail. I'll be back tomorrow sometime with my results. If you think about it or if you're even awake at 7:30, please say a lil prayer that I keep my confidence & I do well.

A Lil Bit Of This, A Lil Bit Of That

2009-02-27T09:04:00.007-06:00

It has really felt like Spring this week & I have to say I'm lovin' it. We bought some patio furniture last weekend & I've been able to enjoy it allot this week. Starting March 8th we'll have longer days thanks to Daylight Savings, WooHoo!! We had some thunderstorms last night, so relaxing. We had all our windows open & the back door so we just hung out on the couch listening to the storm & trying to watch American Idol but because of the storms our tv kept going out.

I go next Wednesday to take my insurance license test. I had a dream about it last night, it was crazy. I'm just ready for it to be over with I've been thinking about it allot this week. I haven't been in school for nine years so test taking & studying are a little unfamiliar for me.

I'm so happy it's Friday, at the beginning of the week I wasn't in a good mood. I hate it when I get like that. It' s like every little thing makes me mad. We've got lots planned for the weekend. Tonight we're taking Brayden bowling, that'll be fun to watch. He's absolutely hilarious these days. Last night we were eating dinner & he said "momma this piece of meat is a lil strong, do you think it's fat?" What he meant was this piece of meat is tough. I can't believe how grown up he is, but no matter how grown up he gets, he'll always be my baby. Any of you ever read that book,Love You Forever? If you haven't you definitely should. I have a baby shower tomorrow afternoon for a friend who's having her 2nd baby & she's having a baby boy. They've asked you bring your favorite book instead of a card so guess what book I'll be bringing?! Back to my point here! Tomorrow I have a baby shower to attend & we're going to start on our computer/treadmill room. After much discussion on paint color we've(well more like I've) decided to just paint it a taupey color. This way it'll be a neutral color & will go with everything. Then Sunday we're taking Brayden to meet my mom, he's decided he wants to go stay with my parents for the next week. So We've got a busy weekend ahead of us.

Sorry for my rambling on this post. Hopefully I didn't bore you to pieces or make no sense 8)

Just a Few Things I'm Ready For....

2009-02-09T15:46:00.005-06:00

I'm ready to start wearing these

Daylight Savings starts March 8th. Oh how I love me some longer days.

Sitting on my patio enjoying some of these

Hanging out with friends more often. Seems like everyone gets so busy during the Fall & Winter so it's nice to be able to catch up in the Summer.

I've really grown to appreciate all the seasons but Winter is my least favorite of all. So needless to say I'm really looking forward to Spring

GroundHog's Day

2009-02-02T14:22:00.004-06:00

I hear the groundhog saw his shadow, seriously does he ever not see his shadow?! The weather Saturday was fantastic. My parents came in on Friday night so we loaded up Brayden's bicycle & headed to the park Saturday morning. We walked the trails at Ben Geren & played at the playground then went to Carol Ann. That must've been the place to be, it was packed. It was so refreshing to be outside, especially after all this cold, yucky weather we've had. I usually stay cooped up in the Winter, not a big fan of being cold. After we played & walked at Carol Ann we headed home to tear up our gardens. What an accomplishment that was. I'm just glad my dad was here to help out. Not tht Shawnn & I couldn't have done it but it sure went by alot faster with 3 of us working. Brayden had fun digging in the dirt for worms. One of them got loose in the living room, I swear the thing was as big as a baby snake. It was disgusting, Brayden wouldn't pick it up & I couldn't well more like wouldn't either. So I called pawpaw to the rescue. My mom's birthday was Wednesday, so I made lasagna for dinner that night. Then we all just hung out watching t.v. & talking. It was another very relaxing weekend. I'm kinda starting to become a big fan of those :)

Yesterday we had plans to go to a Super Bowl party but I just wasn't in the mood to be around people. Anyone ever get like that?! I knew I wouldn't be any fun, I didn't want to 'small talk' with anyone, I just wanted to be alone. We already had plans for Brayden to be gone for the night, and that doesn't happen much. So I told Shawnn I wanted to stay at home. He went to a buddies house & I stayed home, ALL BY MYSELF!!!! It was wonderful, I did miss my boys after a while. Even though I laid around it was still hard to wake up this morning.

Work has been hectic today, it's been one problem after another. Like the saying goes "When it rains, it pours". We hardly ever have people come into the office but today has been a steady stream of people. Looks like we're going to have a busy week. At least it'll go by fast.

Shawnn did wonderful on his diet last week. Me on the other hand had a hard time staying focused. I did lose so that's the important thing. I've refocused(is that even a word?!?haha) & I'm ready to go this week.

Hope everyone had a great weekend & your week is off to a good start.

P.S. Notice I'm posting more?!?! YaY for me. I promise to try harder with pics. I went off without my camera this weekend.

Arkansas Weather Stinks!!

2009-01-27T15:35:00.002-06:00

I'm so disappointed in our weather today. I know I sound like a crazy woman because it sounds like I wanted ice. It's not that I want ice, I wanted to be able to stay home today. There's just something about knowing you have to go to work & wake up and find out you don't because of the weather!! HA HA!! So all day I've been keeping an eye on weather.com, channel 5 weather, & channel 40's weather. All that keeps happening is the ice and temp. dropping gets pushed back till later, such a disappointment. Brayden's daycare was closed so he's spending the day at the golf store with daddy, I can only imagine the fun they're having ;)

Shawnn & I are on day 2 of the diet. I lost 2 lbs. & well Shawnn lost 10!!!! I know that sounds unbelievable & unhealthy, but it's true I saw the scale myself. He's a big guy so it is possible & he'll probably be down 20 lbs. by mid next week. We figured it up, we're thinking percentage wise we lost about the same. As long as I lose 2 a day, I'll be a happy camper. This diet we're doing is.....well it stinks!! but it works & by next week we'll be in diet mode & everything will be a piece of cake. Gotta get ready for Summertime, gosh I can't wait for some summertime!!!

Hope everyone is home all cozyed up & eating lots of comfort foods.

Nice Weekend

2009-01-26T09:22:00.003-06:00

We had one of those weekends where we stayed in our jammies all weekend. Saturday morning we did get out for breakfast & go to Wal-Mart but other than that we stayed in the house, it was wonderful. Saturday afternoon Shawnn & Brayden watched Transformers while I laid in bed watching Lifetime movies & playing Sudokou, that's my kind of afternoon. On Sunday we cooked breakfast & then just had a lazy day.

Shawnn & I started back on our diets today. I'm looking forward to feeling better but they're predicting an ice storm for the 1st part of the week & all I keep thinking about is how I need comfort food not diet food, ha!! Speaking of weather, I'm SOOOOO ready for warm weather!!!

Laurie is demending I start putting more pics up of Brayden so I'll leave you with one my mom sent me of her Christmas present Brayden picked out for her.

In Case You Were Depressed Monday......

2009-01-23T15:51:00.005-06:00

It was the most depressing day of 2009. You can go here to read all about why. I forgot all about this until I read it somewhere else, so of course I had to find out the date. Anytime you need useless information, I'm your girl. HA!

Please Pray

2009-01-19T09:59:00.005-06:00

Please pray for Sweet Harper & Sweet Brayden. Their mommy's have waited so long for them. I cannot even imagine what they are going through right now.

Santa Came To Town

2008-12-17T16:25:00.002-06:00

St. Nick stopped by Brayden's school this morning to get their requests & take pics. Brayden called me this afternoon to let me know he wasn't scared & what his list of goodies were......2 different Transformers & a pair of RED boots!!! WHAT?!?! I'm so confused as to where that one came from but whatever, right?! So looks like momma will be shopping for some red boots tomorrow night, anyone know where I might find some?!? My bestie Renee & I are going tomorrow to finish(well I'm finishing she's starting) shopping.

Brayden is at such a fun age for Christmas, he's totally into the whole Santa thing & all about shaking the presents under the tree. They've been learning Christmas songs at school & it's so cute to hear him sing his own version.

Some Christmas Talk

2008-12-15T12:21:00.004-06:00

I had planned on doing Boomama's Tour of Homes but since I was sick I didn't get any pics taken. It took me all weekend to get back to normal. I seriously was starting to wonder if I would ever be back to feeling well. I'm so very thankful it didn't take Brayden as long to bounce back.

I keep getting all these emails about how to beat holiday stress, usually I'm all about trying not to stress but this year I haven't stressed & it's GREAT. There's not anything different this year then any other year. Every other year I've always been so worried that Brayden didn't have enough presents but at the same time I've always wanted to raise him knowing that's not what Christmas is about. So this year I didn't buy him stuff just so he would have lots of presents to open. I bought him toys he wanted but not all of them of course. I didn't buy him any clothes,seriously what 4 year old boy wants to open clothes?!

I had started this blog earlier this morning & since have gone home for lunch. While there I grabbed my camera because I had taken a couple of pics of our tree so I thought I would give a sneak peek.

Our tree isn't as big as I would like it but we tried a real tree out this year. I really like the look of a real tree but don't like that we have to put the lights on, I feel like it doesn't have enough.

Ok So Maybe I Was Wrong

2008-12-12T10:19:00.002-06:00

So Wednesday evening I started feeling a little sickly. I tried to push it away thinking maybe I was just tired from not getting much sleep the night before. Well that wasn't the case, Shawnn & I both were home yesterday sick. Guess Brayden had a bug after all. I still think it's a little ironic that 2 days after school starts giving him milk he ends up sick. We went ahead & told them no more milk just to be on the safe side. I was pretty bummed out because we had plans with Shawnn's family to go to Creekmore to ride the train & look at the Christmas lights, then go to The Night of Giving at our mall to finish up Christmas shopping. This is the 5th year they done this and this is the 2nd time I've TRIED going. The first year I planned on going I had a migraine then this year I had a stomach bug, guess I won't plan on going anymore, ha. I think we're going to survive but I have a feeling it's still going to take a couple of days to be 100%. My plan for the weekend is to try santizing our house with Christmas coming up in 13 days(can you believe it?!?) we need to be well plus we'll have company starting next weekend.

I'll Never Look At Mac N Cheese The Same

2008-12-10T12:47:00.002-06:00

In the summer of 06 Brayden started getting sick on the weekends. I'm talking SICK, so sick we dreaded the weekends. It would start Sat. night after we put him to bed & last until Monday mid day. We couldn't figure it out, we would take him to his dr. who thought he had roto-virus. About a month after going through this every weekend, we were exhausted, stressed, & worried. So I took him to the ER on Saturday night, they couldn't figure anything out either, no fever, they took a bowel sample, nothing. Finally my mommy instincts kicked in & I took him off milk, and no more sickness. I took him back to his dr. because daycare needed a note from the dr. to take him off milk. I told her what we had done & she agreed it was probably the milk. So fast forward till Monday. Shawnn took Brayden to school Monday & they asked if they could start giving him milk again. They've accidently gave it to him a few times, Shawnn told them yeah to go ahead. We sometimes give him milk but only a little. Well yesterday we got home & he had diahrea 5 or 6 times before bed. I kept thinking what is wrong with him, then the light bulb went off.....MILK!!!! About 10:45 last night we hear something, to me it sounded like someone was breaking in, totally freaked me out, then we heard it again, it was Brayden getting sick. I walked into his room turned on the light & apparently said "OH MY GOSH, SHAWNN" he had thrown up all over his bed,& his room. Shawnn had to come step in because I couldn't handle it. So at 11 last night we were giving baths, & cleaning a bedroom, not really what I like to call fun, ha. I felt so bad for Brayden, he wanted to go back to bed but we couldn't let him. So I put him in the recliner & that lasted 10 minutes before he was on the couch with me. He's home today recooperating. SO moral of the story NO MORE MILK FOR BRAYDEN.

Santa's Lil Helpers

2008-12-05T14:09:00.001-06:00

I'm so getting this for Brayden for next Christmas. I wish I would've heard about it sooner, he's at a great age this year.

Christmas Is Just Right Around The Corner

2008-12-04T16:51:00.002-06:00

I can't believe we're already putting Christmas decorations up again. I still remember putting all my decorations up last year, crazy!! We decided this year to get a real tree, and I'm so excited about it, not sure why but I am. Good thing for Shawnn simple things excite me,ha!! I think I've decided to go with my black & white again this year, because we're getting a whitish green tree, so I think we'll be able to see the ornaments better. Shawnn and I were invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party next weekend, how fun. Hope everyone's having a great Thursday!!! Tomorrow's Friday, YaY!!!

Tour Of Homes

2008-11-24T12:08:00.005-06:00

Since I have a house this year for Christmas, I thought I would particpate in Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes. Can't wait to see everyone's home.

What Is Wrong With People?!?!

2008-11-13T09:01:00.004-06:00

I just read this on MSN. I mean seriously what goes through peoples heads??

Bedroom Furniture

2008-11-11T10:30:00.005-06:00

Shawnn & I are finally getting bedroom furniture!! I'm so excited about this, our dressers we have are hand-me-downs & don't match at all. I told Shawnn WAY before we even started house hunting our bedroom was on the top of my priority list. We really wanted to get a king size bed but the mattresses we picked out were $800 not even including the bedroom set itself. So we decided we would keep our queen size, seeing as how it's not that old & just get a nice bedroom suite. I've already been looking online & have found a few that I really like. So hear they are!!

Rambles

2008-11-10T15:41:00.005-06:00

We had an absolute blast this weekend. We started out with Chili's takeout Friday night, & the rest of the evening was spent in our jammies watchin' tv. That's my kinda night,gosh I sound so old. Saturday morning we started out with some breakfast at Mickey D's on our way to the bowling alley. I think we have a future bowler on our hands. Brayden had a ball!!! The only other time he's been was about a year ago, so there was much improvement. After our bowling trip we headed to one of our many birthday parties for the month. Those kids played so hard, Brayden was asleep 5 minutes down the road. The rest of Saturday was spent cleaning house & watchin' tv. Then yesterday we went to our 2nd birthday party for the month. Brayden has turned into quite the little social butterfly with all his birthday parties. It's so much fun to watch and listen to him get so excited about parties.

I'm lovin' this cold & rainy day we're having. I really wish I could be at home in my jammies watchin' some lifetime movie or HGTV or napping. I've got lots of recipes for soups I'm plannin' on making this week. I love this time of the year, ask me how much I love this weather in Jan. & you'll get a different answer,HA!

Shawnn & I worked around the house quite a bit this weekend, and it's finally starting to come together. I've got just about all the boxes unpacked & things in there place. We hung some decor last weekend, what a huge difference that made! Poor Brayden is still not unpacked!!! He's not going to know what to do when he has 'his' room. Shawnn promised we could tackle it & hopefully((fingers crossed)) get it finished this weekend. Once I get his room done I'll be able to get everything else unpacked & in it's place.

This morning I had to go see the oral surgeon to schedule some surgery that I've been putting off for a long while. Dr. Curry told me I can no longer put this off so I'm schedule for the 21st.

Election Day

2008-11-04T10:06:00.002-06:00

I'm so glad I get to be a part of such an important day for us. We could have the first black president or the first woman vice president, either way it's a big day. I went first thing this morning to vote, figured the lines wouldn't be as long this morning, & it felt great!! We're so fortuante to have this right, I can't believe some people don't care to vote. Sadly my husband doesn't vote but I'm working on him & hopefully he'll get registered for next time.

HaPPy HaLLoWeeN

2008-10-31T11:52:00.004-05:00

Our little Speed Racer is ready to go get some goodies tonight!! He's gettin' loaded with sugar at school as we speak, ha! I feel for those teachers. Here's some pics from our past Halloweens. Hope everyone has a safe night. Let the Holiday season begin!!!

~Our Lil Nemo~

Power Ranger

2008-10-20T15:47:00.002-05:00

My mom just sent me this email. My reply back to her "Thanks mother, just what I need to look at with just moving into a new neighborhood." I mean I guess I do need to know these kinds of things but it's still a little frightening, ya know.

Do you know your neighbors?
I mean, REALLY know your neighbors?
Well, the attached site will help you know the ones you need to know even better. Just put in your address & your neighborhood map will pop up. Every place you see a red balloon or thumb tact is the home of a convicted felon.
Just hover your mouse over an icon & not only will the name come up, but also the crime they were convicted of.
Share with your friends . .. . safety first

Felonspy

Good Monday Y'all!!!

2008-10-20T09:27:00.006-05:00

We had a very very busy weekend, I'll leave that for another post later today. But I wanted to share this great idea I found on one of my new favorite blogs.I've been wanting to get new furniture but of course with just buying a new house, furniture is Waaaayyyy on the back burner, plus with a 4 yr. old boy, not necessarily a good idea. So I'm going to give this idea a try.

A Giveaway

2008-10-17T08:57:00.008-05:00

Pigtails & Snails has made a very beautiful quilt and she's giving it away!! I'm loving all of the colors. My mom's room at our house is going to be done in yellow, so I'm hoping I can have this to put in there. Good luck if you decide to put your name in the drawing.

Our 1st House Guests

2008-10-16T09:52:00.023-05:00

Nana & Pawpaw are here to spend Fall Break with us and check out our new house. Brayden was so exicted waiting for them last night.
It's really sad that I don't have any updated pics of Brayden with his nana & pawpaw, but I'm the world's worst when it comes to downloading pics from my camera. Notice I'm trying REAL hard to update my blog everyday and with pics.

Here's a pic itty bitty Brayden with Nana the 1st day we came home from the hospital. My mom stayed with us for 3 weeks after he was born, talk about a lifesaver. It's so hard to imagine him that little, how time flies.

Here's Brayden with his pawpaw at Sulphur when he was a lil guy. This town is absolutely beautiful year yard, and they have so much to do. Brayden loves it there, so we go everytime we're at my parents. They took my brother and I all the time, and we have such great memories. So now when we go it brings back such wonderful memories of my childhood and Brayden's making some great memories too.

2008-10-15T14:02:00.008-05:00

I found this, and looks pretty easy yet great wall decor so this weekend my mom will be in town so I'm hoping I can get a lil help. I wish so much I were a very crafty person that can throw stuff together with stuff just layin' around the house but I'm working on my creativeness. Hopefully I'll have a picture to show.

I'm Baaaaaaccccccckkkkkk

2008-10-15T09:25:00.028-05:00

We've had so much going these past couple of months.........WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!! I'm so excited words can't even explain it. It's so ironic how the whole thing happened. In my daily house hunting(haha) I found a house in the area we were wanting, in our price range, & the perfect size. So we went to look at it, keep in my mind the house had just been on the market one day before we went to look at it. By that time 5 other people had already looked at it. This was Labor Day weekend so we had lots of time to think it over. I called our realtor that Sunday to make another appt. to look at it again. On Monday Labor Day we went for a 2nd look & found out 4 of the other people had been back for a 2nd look as well, talk about a bummer. But we decided we wanted to take a chance and make an offer. Our realtor called us late Monday night to let us know someone else had just made an offer BUT the sellers wanted to see our offer too. Shawnn and I being 1st time home buyers really had no clue as to what we were doing, our realtor and lender were helping as much as they legally could. So we wrote our offer, & they countered, we countered back, they countered again, & we denied. Needless to say I was bummed but I was ok to. I just knew if it were meant to be then it would happen and apparently it wasn't suppose to. WELL, Wednesday evening we get a call from our realtor informing us they wanted to ACCEPT our offer afterall!!!! I was in shock, actually I think we both were, but once the shock settled we knew it was meant to be. It's still hard for me to believe I have my own house!!! This is something I've waited for, for 5 years and we both have worked so hard to get to where we are and it's wonderful. Of course the house needs some updating and minor issues that need to be fixed but overall the house is perfect. Our inspector told us he hadn't ever inspected a house for the price we paid and it be in such good condition, that made us feel really good!! The sellers made lots of good updates like top of line the water heater, & heating and air unit. But they were so lazy with alot of stuff to. I swear they never cleaned and when they made changes inside the house they were so lazy about stuff. Of course everytime we went into the house they had all their stuff and man did they have stuff!!! So alot of the little problems we didn't see. I guess this just goes with buying a house, huh?!?! So Shawnn and I have been working our booties off painting removing wallpaper, mowing, unpacking boxes and most of all cleaning. Of course we had some GREAT help from family, without them we wouldn't have been able to get all of this done. We have managed to get our bedroom painted the hall bathroom painted and the living room painted, but still have tons left to do. Here are pics of the house when it was listed. Later I'll post pics of the house when we got the keys and of course I'll be updating with the process of changing everything too.

Here's our 1st Home!! They put lots of time and money into the landscaping out front, they have tons of purple and yellow mums they have just started blooming and they are beautiful. I think once they realized they had their house sold they stopped tending to the landscaping so we have some cleaning up to do but once we get it done it's going to look AWESOME!!!

Our back porch when I first saw the pic of this online I wasn't that crazy about it b/c it looks like it's screened it, but it's not and I think it may be my favorite spot at the house. It has a skylight and is so roomy.

Our backyard of course,haha. We're going to tear up the gardens so Brayden can have lots more room to run and play and we can finally bring his swing set home from Nana & Pawpaw's

Our dining area. I'm not real into having a formal dining room but glad we had a big enough area for a decent size table. I'm also LUVIN' my garden(I'm guessing that's what it's called) window. I have yet to put any plants in there but eventually I'll get some.

.....and here are the wonderful(sarcasm) green cabinets. Those things drove me crazy for about 2 weeks trying to decide what I was going to do with them. The cabinet doors are so plain, meaning they have no detail to them so I really didn't want to strip the paint and stain them. I really wanted to paint them black but was afraid that might not look good either. SO Shawnn said we could at least get new cabinet doors sometime next year so I found a color for the walls that complement the cabinets nicely. I don't know if you can tell but the hardware is silverware(tacky!!!) so I think once I change that and get that awful wallpaper done it'll look allot better. The green cabinets are actually starting to grow on me. They were absolutely flithy though, after a good cleaning they looks lots better. Another thing that changed the look was we got a new stove, the stove that was there was I swear the original stove that came with the house, It came from JCPenney. Like I mentioned before she had tons of stuff

More of the kitchen, it's a great size and has lots of cabinets and counter space, the only downfall about the kitchen is I only have 4 drawers, I was used to my apt. where I had 4 junk drawers, talk about a new adjustment!!! But hey at least now I have a linen closet and a garage, oh and a storage building....

This is the living room, we painted it a muted gold (kinda brownish/gold) it really warmed the room up. She had 5 ceiling to floor bookshelves all on one wall in there which close the room up so much. When we got to go in the house for the 1st time empty we couldn't believe how big it looked. I love how they did the walls, they're textured but not just regular texture they did some different technique in there. Come to find out there was wallpaper on there before and instead of them ripping the wallpaper down they decided to leave it and texture and paint. So eventually we're going to have to fix all of that. I told Shawnn that'll be something we probably pay someone to do!!

Another pic of the living room. It's more long than wide and has no windows. I know that seems crazy to alot of people, especially for someone who loves windows. We have 6 windows, one in each of the bedrooms & 2 in the kitchen. But our back door has a window and a storm door and the front door has a storm door too, so I keep those open and we get plenty of sunlight. I would love to add a skylight in the hall bath but Shawnn says that will be WAAAAAYYYY down the line.

This is our office/treadmill room. It's the last room that's going to get painted but I'm thinking I want to do a red/black/white theme in here. Who knows that could change by the time I get to this room,haha. We did however get all the wallpaper(it's hard to see in this pic) ripped down out of here, thanks to wonderful family!!

This is Brayden's room, it's the biggest of the other 2 bedrooms. It's going to be transformed into a Speed Racer room this weekend. His favorite color is red, so when we asked him what color he wanted his bedroom his response was RED!!! OMG, I'm thinking no way will I let him have a red bedroom, it's suppose to hype you up. So we've comprimised 2 walls red & 2 walls white. I really wanted to do the bottom 1/2 red & the top 1/2 white or blue with a blue or white painted border, BUT my darling husband has talked me out of it b/c he thinks it'll be to hard, and with the headache I had with the hall bath I'm not wanting another difficult project right now.

This is going to be our guest room. We don't have allot of overnight guest usually so it's mainly going to be Nana's room. I'm painting it a pale yellow(her new favorite color) and decorating it her style. She does so much for us & spends allot of time her in the summer that I want her to have her own room at our house.

The Master Bedroom It was the 1st room that had to be changed Shawnn couldn't stand to look at it. We both love black, so we painted the walls a greyish color it's kinda got a lavendar tint to it and we're going to get black furniture. I'll save all my ideas for another post.

Here's the hall bath that I've worked so hard on. I pretty much started ripping wallpaper down the first day we got in there and just finished it this past weekend. I even had several people helping. It has by far been the hardest room to deal with and the funny thing is it's the smallest room. I think b/c of the fixtures in there it makes it hard to work around. I kept asking Shawnn to please take the mirror, light fixture, vanity, and toliet out but he wouldn't b/c he hadn't ever done anything like that and was afraid he would screw something up. Oh well we managed and it's DONE that's the important thing.

They didn't put any pics of the master bathroom on the realtor site. We're not changing it and if we do it'll be a long time from now. That bathroom is by far the best done project, I think they had someone professionally come in to do that room. The hall bath was done horribly. We have lots of things to fix, I'm just so thankful that all of the stuff is minor not major problems. It's all stuff that you have to really look for to see. Now before we got all of our stuff in there we could see lots of flaws but now that we're slowly fixing them and have our stuff in it's harder to see them. I wish they would've put pics of the entrance way & hallway b/c they did a really cool wallpaper technique. They took wallpaper ripped it up, dipped in some mixture then put it on the wall, looks really good!! Don't get me wrong I love my house and I know I've focused a lot on what is wrong with the house, but there's lots of good too. They updated major things and put in new light fixtures. Oh did I mention we got a brand new roof 2 weeks before we moved in, I mean that's a great house. We feel like we got a wonderful house that's in great condition it just needs some cleaning and maintanice.

Anyways now that I've told you all about my new house I really need to get to work. I hope you've enjoyed my tour. I promise to post more often now especially since I'm updating our house. Hopefully tomorrow I can show you the pics of the house when it was empty!!!

House Hunting

2008-08-20T10:48:00.002-05:00

We've looked at 6 houses now and only 1 have we really liked. Of course, it has a pending contract now, but that's ok. Just means it wasn't meant to be, right?! So last night we looked at 3, and all were big NO'S!!! BUT our realtor informed us of one that's more than likely come back on the market. It's a repo and apparently the bank and the buyer had a falling out, darn for them good for us!! The best thing about this house, it's has a POOL!! How cool is that?!?! Here I haven't even looked at the house and I love it already,haha!!! The realtor is going to find out what's going on with it and let us know today hopefully. I'm trying to not get my hopes up, but gosh it's hard. My philosophy on the whole house buying is whatever happens happens. We're in no rush & we're enjoying being DEBT free, do you know how wonderful that is?!?!?

Shawnn's playing in a 2 day golf tournament this weekend so my parents are going to keep Brayden for me so I can clean, organize, get kid sale stuff ready, and hopefully enjoy some alone time. I love my sugar booger & my husband but, I love some alone time too even if it's spent cleaning & organizing my house!!!

The Big 2 7

2008-08-07T09:17:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my birthday is here already, how the time flies. It doesn't bother me to get older, well as of now it doesn't bother me. I've always heard your 30's are your prime, so I'm looking forward to that. Someone told me your 20's are for being young & dumb, needless to say that made me feel alot better....lol. Sunday is my birthday so Saturday night Renee is throwing me a fiesta. I'm so excited she got a margarita machine and a pinata and we're having lots of mexican food!! Nothing better than mexican food, margaritas and great friends. Hopefully, we'll take lots of pics, we always have good intentions of taking pics but we never do.

Man A Mighty I'm Feeling Worn Out......

2008-06-12T15:13:00.002-05:00

I've been so tired, well really, sleepy this week. I go to sleep and don't wake up till the alarm goes off the next morning but I'm still so sleepy. My plan for tonight is to get in bed at a decent hour,like 9!

I got Brayden's birthday stuff ordered and it should be here by Monday, so I can get all the invitations out in plenty of time. I've got everything ordered as far as food and have most of my 'plan' made out for that day.

We've got a pretty easy busy (is that possible?!!) weekend planned. Seems like we've had something going on every weekend for a while so it'll be nice to do things but at our on pace this weekend. I was talking to my mom about her & Brayden's schedule for the summer, and it's already planned out and before we know it, it'll be August again.

Speed Racer Birthday

2008-06-11T11:47:00.003-05:00

I can't believe Brayden's birthday is here already!!! I've had the location booked for a few months now and kept thinking I had tons of time, WRONG!!! It just seems like once Summer gets here everything is in fast forward mode, and it's all over before I have time to take it all in. Oh well that's life I guess. So after realizing this past weekend that I hadn't bought invitations I've been panicking just a little. As I've mentioned before Brayden's birthday party's don't always go as planned so I wanted to double check our location was still booked. Seeing as how it's been a while since I booked it and I have horrible luck I just knew it had been reserved to someone else. BUT all is well there, thank goodness!! So we decided on Speed Racer birthday, originally it was Hot Wheels but now we've decided on Speed Racer. I wanted something a little original and I found what I was looking for, it's semi old school Speed Racer with a little bit of the new Speed Racer. Brayden's watched allot of the original Speed Racer cartoons and this Friday we're taking him to see the movie. So if anyone has suggestions for party favors or decorations feel free to share.

Been A Long Time

2008-05-27T19:24:00.003-05:00

Hey all!! It's been a long time since my last blog. Just really haven't been in the blogging mood, and well everything I had to blog about would've been negative stuff. I told myself when I started this blog I wouldn't talk about negative things going on in my life. But all is back to normal now.

Shawnn and I had a little getaway this past weekend. We went to Lake Tenkiller, we have some friends that have a boat and house there. We had a great time and can't wait to go back. We're actually hoping to go in a couple of weeks, guess we're hooked!!

Brayden's growing like a weed, I can't believe we'll be celebrating his 4th birthday in a month!! It's just a crazy thought to me to think he's 4 already. I still remember being pregnant with him.

Dentist Appointment

2008-03-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

I had to have a root canal done so today I got my crown put on. Which is no big deal, but while there my dentist showed me my latest x-ray. I have a black spot under that tooth(the root canal one). Ok so he says this and all I think about is BAD BAD, I tend to do that huh!??! Anyways he explained he had never seen this before and at first was a little worried and actually was getting ready to call me to have me come back in so we could remove the tooth. But first he went to his dad, who is also a dentist, and found out he had patient that had the same thing. So they compared x-rays and they look identical. I already have an appt. with an oral surgeon to have some other stuff done, so they're going to check this out too. More than likely he said, it's fine that it's probably just a void. I really hope it's just a 'void'.

Brayden's Birthday

2008-03-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

I know some people will probably think I'm crazy but after last year's birthday party I told Shawnn I will not stress or break down again because of a birthday party!! That's not what they are about. So we chose the date for Brayden's birthday party a year ago!! Crazy I know but his birthday is July 3rd, it can be a good thing. Most of our family and friends are either on vacation or at the lake for 4th of July, so it makes scheduling a party a little on the difficult side. So we either have to have his party early or late. At this age it's really not a big deal because he doesn't grasp that concept yet, in a few years will be a different story though. Last year was just awful, I know I shouldn't say that but I seriously wished I could've just not done a party. It was 10 times more stressful then anything to do with my wedding planning!! We couldn't do it this date because of whatever reason, couldn't do it here because it was booked or someone didn't feel comfortable or blah blah blah!! So we ended up having it at a friends house (since we don't have a house we can't fit that many people in our apt.) which was very nice of them and I'm very thankful for having friends like that. They weren't even there,they just let us have their house for the night. But it was so thrown together and I'm not a thrown together kinda person, I like having a plan. There was more to the awfulness but I'm not going there, I think I've complained enough. So because of last year's mess, I've already booked Brayden's birthday location. After lots of phone calls, research, comparsions, discussions between Shawnn and I.........we booked a pavillion at Ben Geren. It's a big pavilion with lots of tables and it's right next to the big play area and not to far from the restrooms (ugh!! I know), plus if we want to do any other kind of games we've got so much field. It's 3 months in advance but hey I will have no worries, unless of course we have rain that day, which I do have bad luck but I'm not even going there right now. I will deal with that if it happens!! So now I can rest and relax for the next couple of months before I start with all the decorations and theme. Brayden last night said he wants a Danny Phantom party, we have no clue where that came from. I'm going to try to steer him towards Scooby Doo or something like that.

Easter

2008-03-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

We have had a fabulous weekend!! Yesterday afternoon I took Brayden to the Kisr egg hunt, what a nightmare. I doubt that we'll do it again. Way too many people and not near enough stuff. Brayden did get about 10 eggs but some kids didn't get any! It was also B.A.C.A.'s annual kids day at the park, so they had 2 bounce arounds, & face painting. Personally, I think they should've had a couple more bounce arounds for the amount of people there. We stood in line for at least 30 minutes for Brayden to bounce around for a couple of minutes.

This morning we went to church, it was a great service. Brayden had a blast playing, so I think we'll be going back!! I'm so very thankful I went. When I was younger we went to church as a family but we stopped going. Then when I was about 14 I started going to another church. But again I stopped going. Before I moved to Arkansas I had started back to church, this time I went to a non-denominational church, I loved it but then I moved here. I really want Brayden to be in church so I plan on us going from now on. This afternoon we had Easter lunch at Shawnn's grandma's. The kids hunted Easter eggs. Brayden only wanted the 'rocket' eggs that he brought. I had bought Brayden a bubble wand from Wal-Mart that was only a $1, and the kids had so much fun with the bubbles! We're now home and I have some stuff to get done for a busy week ahead. Hope everyone has had a great Easter!

Concerned Mommy

2008-03-21T23:32:00.000-05:00

**Update** Seems that Brayden's knot has gone down some. We're still keeping an eye on it though. If it doesn't go away by next week we're going to take him to the dr.

Tonight I found a knot on Brayden's head. Naturally, I started thinking of all the horrible things it could be(yes I'm a pessimistic at times). So I called my mom to see if he had fell why he was at her house, and he hadn't. She tried to assure me everything was fine and that I just need to keep a close eye on it. I'm writing this right now and trying to fight the tears. I know right now I'm over reacting but I can't stop thinking what if, and how will I manage. Please please say a prayer for my lil guy.

~Easter's Already Here!!~

2008-03-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

I feel like before long we'll be getting ready for Christmas again. We have lots planned for the weekend, hoping the weather stays nice so our plans aren't put off. I'm going to pick Brayden up tomorrow, so my parents don't have to drive all the way here for such a short trip. Then Friday is Brayden's Easter party at school and I'M OFF WORK!!! So Friday morning we'll being partying at Brayden's school then afterwards we're off to see the Easter Bunny. Brayden's teacher's informed them that the Easter Bunny is at the mall so they all need to go see him. The weather is suppose to be awesome here Friday, 70 and sunny!! I really hope the weather people are right this time. I want to spend the day outside relaxing, getting some sunshine, and playin with Brayden. Then Saturday I would like to take Brayden to a egg hunt, I know they have a few here so I guess I should check it out! Then we've got to dye some eggs and get ready for Sunday!

I'm so glad to finally see some sunshine today, I wish it were a little warmer but hey at least I've got sunshine.

Lazy, Slacker, Procrastinator

2008-03-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

That's how I've been lately. Ever get in those moods where ya just don't want to do anything?? Seems like I get in those moods every 3 months or so, and I can't stand it!! I guess I could look at it like it's a short vacation. So this week it's back to reality. My house is disgusting, my car is too and work well, it's piled high kinda like my laundry!! But my boss is gone this week so just like the saying goes "when the cats away the mice will play", that's what I've been doing!! It's only Tuesday so I haven't taken full advantage of him being gone. I finally got off the computer and started doing the work but had to take a break to make a lil post. So back to work I go. Hope everyone's enjoying all this rain we're getting.

Brayden's Headed to Oklahoma

2008-03-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

My parents are going to have Brayden starting tonight until sometime next week, it's my mom's spring break so she's going to spend it with Brayden. Brayden of course is stoked and woke up at 6:30 this morning, and his first words were "I'm ready to go to nana's", it was so cute. So here in an hour actually I'll be leaving to take him to meet my parents half way. It's a bittersweet thing with me, I'm going to miss the little booger but at the same time it's going to be a much needed break for myself. I'll be able to get all those little things done around the house, that I don't normally do b/c I want to hurry up so I can spend time with Brayden. Tomorrow night Shawnn and I are having a date, nothing fancy, just cooking dinner together and going to cuddle and watch a movie. Those are my favorite kind of dates. We can come home from work get in our comfy clothes and just relax! Saturday Shawnn's working so I'll have the entire day to my self. I plan on finishing my kid sale stuff and getting our Spring/Summer clothes out.

Hope everyone's having a fantastic week so far, already HuMpDaY!

Trying A New Approach

2008-03-03T16:35:00.000-06:00

I absolutely dread Mondays, I know most people don't look forward to Mondays but I really really dread them. So last Monday I told myself I was going to have a different attitude about it. My attitude is what's making my Monday's so horrid. Anything and everything that could go wrong usually does on Mondays. I've been reading The Secret every now and then(don't have allot of time to just sit and read) and what I'm getting from it is, Everything that happens to you good or bad is depending on how you look at things. So that's why I've decided to give Mondays another chance, hahaha!....and let me tell ya, having a good attitude about the dreaded day has really helped. Today has flown by, it's been crazy busy around here at work. I've even had to deal with rude people, and anyone that knows me knows I can't stand to deal with rude people and they can just ruin my day so fast, but not today.

We're still suppose to get some snow this evening!! I can't believe, I don't believe it actually. I'll believe it when I see it. We're doing one of my most favorite things tonight.....GOING OUT TO DINNER. I love going out to eat, especially during the week and especially when it's out of the blue.

Hope everyone's Monday has been as fabolous as mine.

WONDERFUL WEEKEND

2008-03-02T13:40:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful way to start a new month, with a wonderful weekend. The weather was awesome here in Arkansas. Friday night Brayden and I went over to Nadine's to have pizza and hang out. Brayden had been a little coughy for a few days, we had gave hime some cough medicine but by that night he was running fever, pale, sneezy, and a runny nose. So we came home to give him medicine but nothing we had was for those symptoms so off to Wal-Mart I went I went ahead and stocked up on a few different kinds and brands, I want to be prepared, ya know. He woke up Saturday alot better, I was very thankful. It was such a beautiful weekend and I wanted to take full advantage of that.

Saturday morning Shawnn had to work & then that afternoon he had to bowl in a tournament so it was just Brayden and I for the day. We went to the park for a couple of hours, and had a wonderful time. Today we went back to the park because it's suppose to SNOW tomorrow. Apparently we're suppose to have 4 to 6 inches of snow by Tuesday here in Ft Smith, cRaZy!! I'll believe it when I see it.

Also today I made my 1st roast!! I've been trying new recipes here lately and found that I really enjoy it. I've always enjoyed baking but it's a nice feeling to try a new recipe and it turn out!!haha. The roast turned out pretty good, Nadine made one a couple of weeks ago and hers was absolutely the best roast I've ever had. Mine on the other hand wasn't as wonderful but it was edible and that's what counts. Maybe I need to get her recipe,maybe she doesn't something different or buys a different kind of roast, yes there different kinds?!?!

So right now I'm finishing up some laundry, didn't get my whole house cleaned like I wanted but it was such a beautiful weekend I couldn't stay cooped up any longer. I'm finally starting to feel better, just still have a cough that seems to want to hang around, but hey I can handle the cough as long as I don't feel like I did. Poor Shawnn is getting it now. He woke up this morning sneezing, and it continued. We went to grab breakfast and I swear he sneezed the whole entire time we were gone. Then we took Brayden to the park and he sneezed allot there too! By the time we got home from the park he was stopped up and his thoart was getting sore.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!!

Cabin Fever

2008-02-25T14:57:00.001-06:00

I feel like a broken record but........I'M SO READY FOR SPRING!!! I spent my whole weekend in bed sick. I started getting sick Wednesday afternoon, just started out with a little cough then by the evening by body hurt and I was running a little bit of fever. Wednesday night is Shawnn's bowling night so Brayden and I go to Nadine's house for dinner. While there I started throwing up. Once I threw up a few times I did start feeling better. Thursday morning I woke up still hurting but because I had missed Monday and Tuesday of work I had to go in. I managed to make it until 12:30, went home and slept til 7:30!! I felt better Friday, but then Saturday I woke up feeling horrible again. I have this horrible cough and rattle in my chest. If I'm not better within a few more days I will go to the dr.,hoping I get better with over the counter meds, No insurance!
I just knew I was going to feel better yesterday, or at least I was hoping to, but I didn't. So this week is going to be a busy one. Tomorrow is the first day of Women Run Arkansas, which I'm so so excited about. Time to get ready for warmer weather!!!

It Has Been A Long Time

2008-02-22T14:02:00.000-06:00

Well I've officially joined a walking club. This club starts next Tuesday and will meet every Tuesday and Thursday @ 6 pm for the next 10 weeks, ending with a 5K walk/run in Conway on the 10th of May. I found this thru another blogger and thought I would see what it was about. Man was I excited when I got on there and saw that it was FREE!! They have different levels to join but I'm going to start at the very bottom and hopefully next Spring I'll join the beginner's running. Shawnn and I have seriously talked about joining a gym and we are hopefully in a couple of weeks, it's just so expensive. The gym we used to work out at has started a Zumba class, which I can't wait to try out. It's 30 minutes of Zumba and then 30 minutes of kickboxing 3 times a week. I can't wait to get back to the gym.

Well I've got lots to blog about but need to get back to work, I just wanted to share my excitment with everyone.

New Camera

2008-02-07T15:55:00.000-06:00

Here's our new camera we just got in today! It's a Sony T70,very small! I can't wait to take pics with it tonight.

Counting Down The Days

2008-02-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

Till Spring that is. This weather is really starting to take a toll on me. I've never really been one to like the cold weather. I love being outside but can't stand being cold. So usually by Feb. I'm really starting to get cabin fever. I need warm and sunshine. I'm thinking about starting tanning after next week, so I can get ahead start on some color and see if it helps with my blah mood. Shawnn and I are going to Big Cedar next weekend,well actually we'll be leaving Sat. or Sun. and coming home Tuesday, so hopefully a couple days off work and away from home will do me some good. Not that I'm glad to be going away from my sugar booger, it'll be nice to not be at home where the phone will be ringing and chores will be staring me down. Usually when Shawnn and I go away we go away to do absolutely nothing. Last March we went to Big Cedar for a weekend and that's exactly what we did. Our condo had a jacuzzi so I took full advantage of that, we played cards, went to dinner at Devil's Pool there on the resort, and that was all. It was great, having a 2 year old(at the time) and both of us working full time, we didn't have allot of down time, and now with a three year old we still don't! This time we are going shopping, Shawnn hates shopping so usually I go by myself. But he agreed to go do some, so I'm happy with that.

I've really been contemplating changing jobs. But I really think it's my mood, not the job. I'm tellin' ya this time of the year really gets to me. I went to lunch with a friend today, who happens to be a little older than me, so she's wiser and more exiperenced. She really helped me understand what was really going on. I really do have a great job. I have the abilitly to take off whenever, if I need my paycheck ahead of time he gives it to me, I make good money, I've made great friends. The biggest con is not having insurance. I'm going to talk to my boss about this because it's for sure something I need and want. But with any job you will have your pro's and con's. So I've decided I'm going to wait, time will tell. Everything happens for a reason!

Well I was just informed by Brayden that I broke his heart. Poor guy, life's rough! He had some bubble gum and has been told numerous times tonight to stop playing with it. So finally I told him if he took it out of his mouth again it was going in the trash. Well not even two minutes later it was out of his mouth. So having to stick to my word, because I totally believe if you say it you had better stick with it, especially when it comes to your child. I made him go throw it away. As he went to throw it away he was crying & said Mommy you broke my heart.

Well time to get the little guy ready for bed.

Weekend & Migraines

2008-02-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

Our weekend was quite uneventful, which was nice. Friday night we went to dinner @ Gringo's. Saturday Shawnn played golf, Brayden and I stayed at home. We hung out and did some laundry. Then Saturday evening we went over to a furniture store that's going out of business,I bought a lamp for $5,great buy, and a dresser for $25. I haven't picked up the dresser yet but hopefully we'll get it this week. It's not a big dresser, I actually plan on using it for a night stand, then when we get a house we'll buy new bedroom furniture, so I'll either move the dresser to Brayden's room for him to use as a night stand or in the guest room.

I woke up about 5 am this morning with a horrible migraine. Really all migraines are horrible but I really hate it when I wake up in the middle of the night with one. This has happened to me 3 other times. The weird thing was I was dreaming I had a migraine and then the pain woke me up. Of course, when I started getting sick I didn't have anything to throw up so I kept dry heaving! I finally got up around 6 to go take a shower to see if that would help with the pressure, no luck. So I finally fell asleep thanks to some tylenol pm. Woke up around 11:30 feeling lots better but my head was so sore. I'm talking so sore that I couldn't move my head. As the day has gone on I've started feeling better, but anyone that's had migraine knows you don't feel normal for a while, usually the next day I feel normal. I'm going in to see my dr. about them b/c I'm having them more frequently and they seem to be getting worse. I've talked to my dr. about them once before, but they've gotten worse since then. I'm sure nothing's wrong b/c I've had migraines ever since I was a little girl, but I just want that confirmation.

Random

2008-01-31T09:42:00.000-06:00

Haven't really had allot to blog about lately. So I thought I would conjure up something to talk about.

I'm really wanting some snow!! Well really I'm wanting it to snow so I can stay home from work and cuddle with my baby boy, play in the snow, make some soup, and watch lots of lifetime movies. They say we're suppose to get some this afternoon, but I don't have my hopes up. I figure what will happen is, Shawnn and I are going to Big Cedar on the 16th of Feb. for a few days. So it'll snow then & we won't get to go. I know I shouldn't think like that because those kinds of thoughts will make it happen. That's something I've learned from The Secret, if you think negative then that's what you get. Speaking of negative, I'm trying to learn to avoid negative people and negative situations. I have a tendacy to think negative but I really have noticed when I don't I'm so much happier.

This will be the first weekend in a while that I'll be home, and I'm excited about it. Our house is really looking like I haven't been there either. Hopefully this weekend I'll get caught up on laundry and get things reorganized. Life is allot better when my house is organized. I know I've talked about this before, but it's so true. Having a clean, organized home can make me so happy. I hate going home to a sink full of dirty dishes, and piles of laundry that need to be done. But I get lazy sometimes, and it gets all behind then it makes it really hard to do!

Sunday's Super Bowl of course, we've been invited to 3 parties now, and I want to go to all 3 of them but Shawnn says that's not possible!! To me it's possible though!!! Two of the parties we'll be able to take Brayden and the other one we wouldn't be able to. He's stayed with his Bugga and Howie more than usually lately so I really want him to be able to go with us. But the third party is some new friends of ours, that we really want to get to know better. So I have quite a delima as to which party to go to, if any I may just stay home. I don't want to hurt feelings by not going to the other two parties, geez it's a super bowl party they'll get over it if they do get upset!! See I worry way too much about other peoples thoughts and feelings and I've got to stop that. So if any of you that have invited us to your party Sunday read this, I'm sorry if we don't make it to your house, it's not that we don't like any of you, or we like the other people better.

Last night I went out with some girlfriends for some Papa's pizza and beer. It was just what I needed yesterday too. I have PMDD and take Yaz, the birth control to help with it. But I forgot to take it a couple of days so I had to stop taking it for the month so my body didn't get all out of whack. So I've been a little bitchy lately. I really thought I was going to strangle someone yesterday, but I feel tons better today. I guess pizza and beer was just what I needed!! I've been going out more than usual here this past month and it's really nice. It's nice to get out and laugh and be silly with friends. Plus talking with my girlfriends about marriage work and kiddo's makes me realize I'm not crazy or anal, I'm normal because they have the same thoughts or feelings.

I've recently learned that peoples lives aren't always what the seem. This probably sounds mean but I'm actually glad for that. No one's life is perfect no matter how much they try to prove it or show it, we all have problems. It seems like those that really try to show and go around saying oh my life's perfect, those are the ones that really have lots of problems. I try to stay true, I don't like lies so I try not to tell them. I'm proud of who I've become. I'll tell you I haven't always been proud of who I was or things I've done in my past but again no one's perfect, and realizing that makes me happy. It's ok to make mistakes, mistakes make us. My life is far from perfect, We had a child 9 months after our first date, no we didn't sleep together on our first date, but obviously we did before marriage,Brayden was 3 weeks early, and I really don't care what anyone says or thinks about it. I wouldn't trade him for anything, god had a plan for me. Shawnn had lots of debt when we got together, so there for, we've had a rough 4 years, finacially. It's almost paid off and I can't wait. We missed out on alone time. We had 9 months of alone time and that was it. That used to bother me and I had a major security problem. I was worried about mine and Shawnn's relationship because there were lots of stresses in our lives,not just the stress of money a new baby and basically a new relationship but there were some issues within our family that put allot of stress on me more so than Shawnn, but you know we made it through all of that and our relationship is stronger than ever. I feel like if our relationship could with stand all of that when it was brand new, we could handle everything. We didn't get married until Brayden was over a year and half old. That was something we agreed on when we found out I was pregnant, just because we're having a baby doesn't mean we're getting married. I refuse to raise my child in a miserable home life, so we waited to make sure that's what we wanted, and it was!!

I'll have to continue my rambling at a later time. Gettin' pretty busy at work.

If I Had A Day All Alone.......

2008-01-25T15:56:00.000-06:00

Edit:I feel like I need to clarify trashy magazines......I mean trashy gossip,Not porn!!

I would lay in bed with the laptop, lifetime, and jello salad. I would read trashy magazines, read some of The Secret, do my nails, oh and sleep. That's how I would spend a day all alone. Don't get me wrong I love spending quality time with my boys, but me time is wonderful. B.B.(before Brayden) I couldn't stand to be alone, now I dream of a day alone. It has been a llllloooonnnnngggg time since I've had one. So long I couldn't even tell you when. But oh well, I wouldn't trade either one, Shawnn or Brayden, to be alone.

2008-01-22T20:34:00.000-06:00

Gosh I have so much to update on I don't even know where to begin.

Brayden and I went to Ardmore this past weekend to visit my parents. We had a great time, lots of relaxing. I feel like I don't do that at my house. I always feel like I have to be doing something, so it was nice to be able to actually spend my weekend doing nothing and not feeling guilty about it. I did get my hair done, it had been a while since I had it highlighted. I went with blonde and red this time. I've never had red in my hair but I'm loving it!!! Saturday night I met up with some friends to go have dinner. That was pretty much our weekend.

I was suppose to meet with a mortgage lender last Friday but had decided not to since we knew we wouldn't be buying within the next few months. Then today I decided to go ahead and give her a call, and I'm so glad I did. We do qualify for a loan and our credit is actually allot better then we both thought. We still aren't going to buy for a little while but she was able to give me some things to work on until we are able and ready. The end is so near I feel like I can reach out and touch it. I've learned so much patience with this whole experience. I'm so glad we didn't jump into anything before. I've seen people do that and then they aren't happy 6 months later. I want to find a house that I love, not just like.

Dinner with Friends

2008-01-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

So last night I went out with Nadine, Monica, and Jenn(she's a new friend). We went to Chili's and had a grand time. I just love meeting new people. Jenn was such a sweetie, and I look forward to getting to know her more. I do have pics from last night, well I didn't take pics but Nadine took quite a few so as soon as I get them I'll post some. It's so great to have girl time, it really helps me realize I'm not crazy, I'm a very normal person actually!!! Anywho, Brayden stayed with Bugga and Howie aka grandma and grandpa howie, last night so he was home bright and early this morning. We went to the mall first thing this morning and I spent $75!!!! at Bath and Body. That's so not like me and I was actually shocked that that's how much I spent, but they were having a heck of a sale. But I will be taking some of it back b/c I can't spend that kind of money of Bath and Body. It was just me and Brayden that went and Brayden's at that age that he really doesn't fit in a umberlla stroller anymore but still a little young to be still and not touch stuff. So needless to say after Bath and Body I was ready to go, plus I had way too many bags from there so I was uncomfortable. I plan on going back later this afternoon by myself to look at some other stores. I did find Brayden the cutest jacket that I've actually been eyeing for a while at JCP's and I had it in my hand to buy, but I decided to wait b/c I didn't have anymore patience to stand in line. So I really hope they still have it when I go back, it was only $5.99 original $20, that's a great buy!!!! I finally got Brayden a bookshelf today too. I really wanted to get him a real wood bookshelf so that he could keep it for a long time, but I couldn't find one the color of his bed, which is what I wanted. So I just got him a cheap one from Wal-Mart. After thinking about it I decided that was probably the best thing to do b/c he'll eventually get new bedroom furniture so I'll just get him a nice one then. Well I'm off to start cleaning, Brayden's room is first!!!!!

IT'S FRIDAY.......

2008-01-11T09:13:00.000-06:00

And I'm so excited!!!! It has been a crazy week at work. This is the first full week of work we've had since Christmas. My boss and I both said Monday how much we were dreading coming back for a full week. Luckily this week has flown by, probably because of all the crazy things we had going on.

Shawnn goes back to the dr. today, so please say a little prayer that everything goes better this time.

We really have a quiet weekend planned. I think tonight I'm going to go out for dinner and drinks with a couple girlfriends. It's been about a year since the last time I went out with these 2 just by ourselves. Tomorrow will probably be the usual cleaning session and laundry. Oh I just remembered our mall is having their mall walk this weekend and I get paid today!!! I'm also on the hunt for Brayden a small book shelf, his book collection has grown and he got lots of games for Christmas so I want to get them better organized. I want it to match his bed and for it to be small. So hopefully I'll be making a couple of purchases this weekend. I love shopping, just wish I could do it more. Oh well someday hopefully.

Last night Shawnn and I were watching HSN and they had bedding on there so that got us to talking about our future bedroom. I informed my wonderful husband that when we buy a house our bedroom will be the first room we do. Our bedroom has never been decorated, it's always been the room that's been neglected(everyone has one). So I'm going to start searching for stuff for our future bedroom. I've already mentioned how I invisioned it in a previous post, so now I just need to find the perfect stuff for it.

We've decided we're going to start our process of buying our first home. Meaning, we're going to talk to a lender to get prequalified. Take care of things that are on our credit. Start working on our credit. Start reading books on 1st time home buying, I want to be as prepared as possible. Start looking at houses, (which I've been doing for a long time) so we know what we want. And the biggest of them all, well besides the working on our credit part, saving money.

So if any of you have any wonderful advice on buying a home please feel free to leave me your comments. Please no negative comments or bad stories, I know they're out there and I'm sure we'll have some of our own. But I'm trying to stay positive and I don't want to go into this with a bad attitude.

Hope everyone's had a fantistic week and has an even better weekend.

~~Jamie~~

More Resolutions

2008-01-09T15:14:00.000-06:00

1. Stop worrying about other people. I care way too much about other peoples thoughts. I don't mean I'm going to stop caring about people or become a total b%*ch, I just mean say how I feel. If I don't agree with something, say it. My feelings and thoughts are just as important as the next persons. I've always been this way, and it's caused me heartache and problems. So this year this is 2nd on my list (taking better care of myself is 1st) of resolutions.

2. Stop being a procrastinator. I mean seriously I've been putting off filing forever just because, not because I'm lazy just because. That's absolutely stupid.

3. Read more. My mom got me The Secret for Christmas. I've started reading it but it's one of those books I like to read very slow and may read a page twice, just because I want to take it all in and make sure I get it. But I want to read more books like that, motivational. Decorating books for when we buy a house. Dave Ramsey books, if you haven't checked him out you totally should, he's a great guy. Most of you know, Shawnn and I are paying off some major(well maybe not major to some people but major to us) debt, and then we'll buy a home. Well neither one us want to go back down this road so that's what Dave is for, to help us not get there again. To teach us how to budget and make good financial decisions........that really should've been a resolution by itself, oh well.

4.Continue bettering myself. This is something I tried to always do. Everyone can better themselves. Try to be a better mommy, wife, daughter, friend, worker.

5. Be more spiritual. I want to start back to church. I want to raise Brayden in church. I've been having lots of thoughts of this lately and feel like I really need to do this for me. Part of my resolution to taking better care of myself and being a better person. If you read this and pray, please pray for me. Pray that I make the decision to go back to church. I have a church that I want to go to and know several families that go there. I just can't seem to go, that's why I feel I need prayer.

6. Take better care of myself. This is my number one resolution. Phyiscally emotionally mentally I need to do a better job of taking care of myself. I think all of my other resolutions will work hand and hand with this one.

7.Better my marriage. No Shawnn and I aren't having problems, I feel like our marriage gets stronger and stronger as time passes. Shawnn and I were shorted on our 'time', yes I know this is our fault, even though neither of us would change a thing, we love our Brayden, but it does make things hard at times. Shawnn is a great husband, I know everyone thinks their husbands are great and I'm sure they are. Shawnn really trys and I appreciate that so much, way more than he knows. He has became a better father, son, worker, and husband since we've been married. So this year I want to really focus on 'us'.

So that's it for now, I may think of more as time goes on. So if I do I'll let ya know.

P.S. Janet leave me some comments sometime ;)

If I didn't have to work full time.....

2008-01-09T09:57:00.000-06:00

How great life would be. Really though if I could be a stay at home mom full time, or at least part time, I wouldn't mind working somewhere part time. I would get so much done. My house would be spotless, I'm talkin baseboards cleaned, cob webs gone (I do try to keep them gone) that kind of clean. My husband would come home to great meals every night, we would go to bed in a made bed (meaning I would make the bed every day). Everything would be organized. I would love to learn how to sew, and I would work on my creativeness. Oh and I would join the gym and that would be the way I start my day off, going to work out.

Oh how I dream of the day!!

No Fair!!!

2008-01-08T14:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was such an awesome day. Even though I know it's just Jan. and winter has just begun, I still had a bit of hope yesterday, thinking it was starting to fill like spring. Spring is probably my most favorite season, with Summer a close second. Something about it just makes me so happy. I love the smell of the air, you know what I'm talking about?? It's so fresh and clean. We had all of our windows open last night in the house and it had that 'springy' smell to it. I sat outside for a while, just thinking of all the things I want to do this spring. I guess I'm getting spring fever, and it's only Jan. 8th, bummer. I really think winter should only be till Feb. 28th, I could live with that.

My Husband Has Issues

2008-01-03T16:03:00.000-06:00

No not mental issues, or at least not that we are aware of. For some reason every year he gets this urge to get a new tv. So we're getting a new tv tomorrow. I look at it like this, at least it's not a new car every year. If it were me wanting a new car every year that would be different though!!! It's a 50 inch, was going to be a 60 but thankfully he came to his senses and realized we didn't need a 60 inch in our apartment. We will be buying a house this year but still we'll be in our apartment for a while. I'm quite excited about it because we're getting an armoir to put it in. Shawnn had me go look at the store where we're getting it from so I could see this armior they have. He said he knew I would like it so he went ahead and got it. Just goes to show he really does listen and pay attention to what I want and like. While we were there I said "oh no, we have to get something for all my pics and knick knacks I have on the other tv stand". Shawnn said "nope I've already thought about that, there's room on top of the armior". That made me feel good that he really thought about me in this purchase.

New Year Plan

2008-01-02T09:49:00.000-06:00

So this past weekend I started my new year's cleaning. This is something I've started doing, just going thru everything and reorganizing, throwing away stuff, getting stuff ready for a yard sale, things like that. I figure since the new year is about starting over, might as well clean stuff out too. I didn't get everything done b/c my mom came down Sunday and I didn't want to clean while she was here, so this weekend I have to finish it all up. I did get our Christmas tree down and all the decorations put up, our apartment looks so bare now. Brayden cried b/c I took the tree down, he's still learning that Christmas does end!! Usually for my new year resolution I always say I'm going to lose weight, well this year I'm not even saying that, I hate when I don't follow thru with something. SO this year I'm going to take better care of myself. With the scare of Shawnn's health, we both have thought allot about our health, so we're changing that this year. Another one of my resolutions every year is to become a better person, I feel like that's an area everyone can get better at. Also this weekend, I'm going to sit down and work up a budget for this year. This is the last year we'll be paying off debt, I'm so excited about this. We're hoping by the end of the year we'll be moving into our first home.

Jamie

It's been a while

2007-12-29T00:15:00.000-06:00

I haven't really been in the 'blogging' mood lately, but thought I would update everyone on the Howerton's.

We had a GREAT Christmas!!! I really look forward to many more Christmas now that Brayden's catching on. Everything he opened he would say "This is what I always wanted for Christmas, thank you"!!! It was so sweet to hear him say that and see the look on his face when opening a present. He was very thankful for everything he received. He's still thanking Shawnn and I for all of his presents.

The weekend went by so stinkin fast. It was Wednesday and time to head back to work before I knew it. I'm so glad this weekend is going to be all about relaxing. I'm goin tomorrow to pamper myself, I'm goin shoppin then I'm goin to get a manicure. My nails grow but they don't stay pretty, I constantly have to keep them up to make them look half way decent. So I think this is something I'm goin to start doing on a regular basis, it's good me time too!!!

My mom's comin back down Sunday to spend a little bit more time with us before she has to start back to school. It'll be nice to hang out with her. She was here last weekend but it was so busy tryin to finish up Christmas stuff that we really didn't get to hang out allot. Shawnn and I are goin to Ant and Renee's for New Year's, this is something we've been doin for 3 years now. We always have such a good time over there. This year they're having a 'white trash' party, I can't wait to see everyone in their costumes. I've been thinking and asking for some really good costume ideas, and so far I've gotten some really good ones. I'll try to post pics sometime next week!!!

Shawnn went back to the dr. today for a check up on his blood pressure, and his blood pressure was higher today then it ever has been. Very discouraging b/c he was hoping to get off of it soon. It's making him worn out and funny feeling. I'm worried about him and hope this next year we both have better luck when it comes to our health, definately one of our new year resolutions.

Today was my friend Nadine's 29th birthday (she doesn't look a day of 21) so we all went to eat at Chili's, Shawnn didn't go b/c he really wasn't in the mood to deal with people so I went solo. We had a great time and they all went out downtown afterwards but I wanted to come home to my boys. Something about motherhood that changes your priorties. I mean don't get me wrong I love hanging out with my girlfriends and gettin a bit irresponsible from time to time, but it's just not the same as before.

Well I think I've pretty much sum'd it all up, I could ramble on some more but I'll save the rest for later.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and a safe new years. I'm so excited I don't have to be back to work until Wednesday, it's goin to be a great loooooonnnnngggg weekend.

Jamie

A Sigh of Relief

2007-12-20T21:42:00.000-06:00

I feel so much better right now. I got so much accomplished this afternoon. All the laundry is done and put away, and my carpets are clean. I love the feeling of a clean house, it's very true that having a clean house helps your attitude. This morning I thought I was going to have a breakdown b/c I couldn't find stuff I needed. My house has been torn apart since I was sick a couple of weeks ago, so you can imagine what I was dealing with. I cannot stand clutter. My mom and brother are pack rats and I can't stand it. In my house everything has a place and if it's not in it's place it bothers me. My junk drawers are organized!!! I think I'm a bit obessive complusive, I have gotten better since Shawnn and Brayden came along b/c I don't have much time to care about stupid crap like Shawnn using one of my white hangers or my panties and bras not folded. I mean it bothers me but I try hard not to let it bother me so much. Anyways, I just wanted to write about how I feel so much better!!!!

Tomorrow's Friday and I can't wait for 5:30 to be here.....

Jamie

DeClutter Me Please

2007-12-20T15:11:00.000-06:00

I've taken the afternoon off from work so I could 'get it together' so to speak. I feel like I'm cluttered, does that make sense. I swear if my head weren't screwed on I would have lost it a few days ago. I'm such an organized freak and nothing has been organized here lately. I'm pretty much done with shopping, or at least I think I am. But my car my office my house has been neglected for a couple of weeks and it's catching up with me. I hardly slept last night b/c I laid there thinking Ok I need to do this and this and this and this, until I was mad at all the stuff I need to do. Really it's not allot but b/c everything's so unorganized it seems like so much. So I'm home with my Monster energy drink, some peppy music and cleaning supplies to start decluttering. Wish me luck!!!

Jamie

Just about Ready

2007-12-17T15:26:00.000-06:00

For Christmas that is. We went this weekend to start and finish our Christmas shopping. My wonderful hubby hates shopping so he wants to put it off till the last minute. We had a BIG disscusion this weekend about how he waits till the last minute. I'm a procrastinator but geez, lets get it over worth already. I told him he didn't have to go with me, except to get Brayden's presents. So this weekend was a very very busy weekend for me. Saturday, Brayden and I spent most of the morning at Wal-Mart, getting some things we needed. Then it was off to clean house. I wanted to get our carpet in the living room clean this weekend, but the carpet cleaner isn't working right, or I'm an idiot and don't know how to use it. Doubt that though, b/c I've used it before and didn't have any problems. I was able to get the furniture all clean, Shawnn's suppose to take a look at the cleaner so hopefully we'll get it working right before long. Shawnn had to work Saturday so when he got off at 5 we headed to Toys R Us, man that place was crazy busy. We got most of our shopping done that night and then Sunday I went shopping for everything. Of course I still want to get a few more things so I guess I'll be doing that this weekend. Friday we're going to get nana so she can spend some time with us. This week is going to go by so fast with everything I have to do, buts that's ok b/c I can't wait for Santa to come to our house.

Hope everyone has a great week!

~Jamie~

Thankful Thursday

2007-12-13T09:17:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to thank my friend Nadine, she's a very very good friend. She has done so much for me in ways only her and I know about. Yesterday I went to her house for lunch and vented the entire time I was there, she just listened, didn't cut me off or try to change the subject, just listened. That's great sometimes you just need to get stuff off your chest. Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful for all of my friends and everyone has a very special place in my heart. All of my friends have done things for me that I know they really are true friends. I hope that all my friends are as thankful for me as I am for them.

xoxoxoxo

Jamie

Found this on someone else blog

2007-12-11T16:10:00.001-06:00

You Are Socks!

Cozy and warm... but easily lost.
You make a good puppet.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

All I Want for Christmas

2007-12-10T16:09:00.000-06:00

Brayden went to see Santa for the 1st time this year a couple of weeks ago, and all he asked for was a Transformer computer! This was the 1st time mommy and daddy had heard about this one. Shawnn and I were thinking it was a made up thing, no commercials, he says he saw it in one of his many toy books, but we never saw it. So not wanting Santa to let the poor guy down, I was about to buy him a computer and put Transformer stickers all over just so he could have one. Then nana (my mom) saved Christmas, she went to K-Mart over the weekend and guess what she found......yep that's right a TRANSFORMER COMPUTER!!!! I was so stinkin excited, it was like I had asked for the computer, and found it under the tree on Christmas morning. I never quite understood when parents would say "don't buy me anything for Christmas, it's more about getting the kids stuff", until this year. This is the first year Brayden really knows what's going on, I love it. My Christmas wish is for his Christmas wish to fufilled. Something tells me it's going to be :} I know that's not what Christmas is about, but it's still fun to get lots of presents and spoil your kiddos.

Shawnn Update**

2007-11-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Shawnn goes to the dr. Dec. 14th, so hopefully we'll find out what's goin on with him. He is however feeling much better, he's actually back to his old self.

Other news, Carl's (father in law) dad passed away early Tuesday morning. It was not expected, so it was a shock to us all. He had gotten sick back in May and never got his strength back. We know he's in a better place now. So please keep our family in your prayers.

Hope everyone is having a good week, just 2 more days.

Jamie

Shawwn & Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

Shawnn has been having severe headaches for about 2 months now. After missing lots of work lately and the headaches not getting better he finally went to the dr. last Wednesday. They put him on blood pressure and some headache meds. His blood pressure was a little high she said. They're suppose to be making him an appt. with a regular dr. so he can go in for a complete physical. We know pretty much what they're going to say, he needs to lose weight, which we both know and that's good. The dr. he saw last Wednesday was at Pro-med, so all she said was 'here take this'. So he started the meds that day, he's been severely dizzy and sick whenever he tatkes the blood pressure med. He finally decided he would take them at night, so last night he took them after dinner, and everything seemed fine. Then this morning it started all over again, dizzy and sick to his stomach. He called the dr. and of course the dr. he saw is on vacation and he has to wait to talk to a nurse. I'm getting very worried, his head is constanting hurting. He said this morning, all the lights are bothering him, which usually is a side effect of a migraine, but Shawnn's had migraines and he said this feels nothing like one. The dr. did say if the headaches don't go away he'll have to go in for some tests. I'm trying very hard not to freak out, at first it was easy b/c we found the day before Thanksgiving, so I had lots of stuff to occupy my time with.

As for Thanksgiving it was good. My parents brought Brayden back Wednesday evening, so we had lots of catching up to do. Thursday I got up and started getting things ready for our dinner. My parents had to get back that night b/c my dad had to work Friday : ( so our family dinner got push up by a couple of hours. We headed to grandma's (shawnn's grandma's) for lunch. I already had the turkey in the oven and pies baking before we left. We ate lunch and visited for a couple of hours then headed back home to finish cooking and spend some more time with my parents. Everything turned out great and it was allot easier than I thought it was going to be.

Friday I slept in, no early bird shopping for me. Brayden and I did go to Wal-Mart to finish getting Christmas decorations. Saturday & Sunday were lazy days. We did go yesterday to get the Christmas tree out of storage. Brayden and I spent a few hours putting the tree together and decorating. I still have a few things I want to get to decorate with and I need to start Christmas shopping, horrible I know some people already have all of theirs done. I seem to wait til the last minute to do allot of things.

~~Jamie~~

Holiday Spirit

2007-11-19T17:05:00.000-06:00

Today has been a Monday for sure, why are Monday's so crappy?!?!? I know I'm always starting my blogs out complaining about how Monday's stink or the weekend went by too fast or something along those lines, sorry I'm a bit negative today I know. It didn't start out like that, but shortly after getting to work it went down hill. If it wasn't one thing it was another here today. The phone was constant, the lobby was full, I finally went to lunch around 3, crazy. We have our moments like this though, I really need to be positive about it.

The weekend was nice, Shawnn was sick Friday, he got the bug Brayden and I had at the beginning of the week. He managed to ride with me to take Brayden to meet my parents halfway. They're keeping him til Wednesday or Thursday, Brayden loves going to school with his nana and since they only had 2 days this week she asked to keep him. So Shawnn and I had a nice quiet weekend.

This week is the start of the holidays, I'm ready. I went to Wal-Mart last night and picked up some new Christmas decorations, I can't wait to decorate, it's going to look so good. I just knew Shawnn was goin to be just as excited as I was when I told him about the 'black and silver' Christmas decorations. Here's the convo:
Jamie: Hey did I tell you how we're decorating for Christmas this year?!?!?
Shawnn:first of all, we're decorating??!! and secondly, no you didn't...
Jamie:oh you're going to love it, black and silver!!!!!!
Shawnn: that's Raider colors
Jamie: *shoots him the look*, why do you turn everything into FOOTBALL?!?!?!
Shawnn: that sounds great honey
Jamie: that's better....

This week is goin to be a busy one. Glad it's a short work week, I'm ready for some time off of work. Eric and I are cooking Thanksgiving for our parents this year. I'm excited I feel so 'grown up'. We went last night to get the turkey and all the food. Friday I want to do some Christmas shopping, Shawnn and I made our list of who and want we want to get everybody, now we just have to get it all. Plan on decorating for Christmas and relax.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

~Jamie~

Blah....

2007-11-12T17:17:00.000-06:00

It's Monday again!!!

Feeling pretty blah today not sure what's up but it needs to go away. I'm feelin like this week is goin to drag by, because next weeks Thanksgiving and I'm off Thursday and Friday. I hate when that happens, not getting off work 2 days in a row but when the week drags by. Maybe I should try not rushing it, huh??

This past weekend was ok, not great, not bad, just ok. I was sickly most of it. I woke up Saturday morning all congested, so I slept most of Saturday. Not at all what I had planned to do! Then yesterday I woke up feeling good and then bam! just like that I got a migraine, 3rd one in a month!! I'm thinking maybe it's due to being outside for long periods of time. Saturday night we went to a bonfire, and I'm thinking the smoke from that help contribute to the migraine. So yesterday around 11:30 I was taking meds. and goin back to bed. Again, not what I had planned for the day. So needless to say my weekend didn't go quite as planned.

I did meet some new friends this weekend. Not sure what's gotten into my husband here lately but we've been doin lots lately. I'm not complaining because I'm lovin it!!! Shawnn's a major I mean MAJOR homebody, so for him to spend 4 weekends in a row doin something that's way big!!! .

I Love This.......

2007-11-09T15:17:00.001-06:00

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Christmas Decorations

2007-11-07T15:54:00.000-06:00

Call me crazy, or non traditional but this year for Christmas I'm decorating our tree and Apt. in black and silver!! I love it, Nadine and I were at Sam's on night when we found black and silver Christmas cards. We both fell in love! I've been looking at the Christmas decorations at Wal-Mart and saw all of their black and silver decorations and I'm falling in love even more, so I've decided that's what it's going to be.

Jamie~~~

Let the Stress Begin....

2007-11-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

So the holidays are approaching fast, I'm excited about it but yet I'm starting to stress already. I'm telling myself "you will not stress this year, you will enjoy the holidays and that's it". When I was younger I loved the holidays, you get out of school, people buy you stuff, you get to eat great food, see your family, what's there not to like and be happy about?!? Well then I became an adult and a parent and things are allot different now. I work a full time job, yes we'll be closed the day of Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and the day after Christmas, but I don't get off work like I did when I was in school. People still buy me stuff, but I also have to buy people stuff, still get to eat great food, but I feel guilty about stuffing my face these days, still get to see family which is wonderful. But it's not the same as when I was a kid, I have more worries then I did then. I now have a second family that I have to share holidays with, before all I had to worry about was my family. How do you make holidays fair?? I mean someone's got to be put on the back burner and I hate that, it stresses me out!!!! Shawnn and I will have to come up with a plan so we get to see all of our families and no one's left out. I just don't know how to make this happen. But regardless I'm going to enjoy the holidays for my sake and my families sake. This is the first year Brayden really knows what's goin on, and that makes me happy yet still stressed. But I'm trying very hard to make the happiness out weigh the stress, I have too. Everything Brayden sees he says "I want that, ohh I want that too". A three year old has no concept of money or can't understand you can't have everything you want. We've already been telling him "Brayden Santa can't bring you everything you want or ask for, he has to take toys to all the boys and girls in the world". But I'm loving how excited he's getting about it all.

I'm thinking of cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family this year. It'll be the first time, my mom has always cooked Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner so this year I want her to be able to sit back and enjoy her time off work. I'll keep you updated.

I know I've done lots of rambling today but hey that is the name of my game right?!?!

~Jamie~

Busy But Fun Weekend

2007-11-05T08:59:00.000-06:00

This weekend was lots of fun, I haven't had that busy of a weekend in a long time. Friday night, Brayden and I went to get our haircut, man we were both overdue. I was very proud of Brayden he did everything the lady told him to do, he even sit there while I got my haircut, very good for a 3 year old!

Saturday Brayden went with my aunt to a family reunion where he got to hang out with his nana and papaw while Shawnn and I went to the Razorback game. We had a great time. It was my first game to go to, so it was very exciting for me. Apparently I picked a good game to go to b/c we WON!! Definatly not something I would want to do every home game. To Shawnn and I we have just as much fun hanging out with friends grilling and watching the game on T.V., but it's something I want to do at least a couple of times a season. We went to Hog Haus Brewery, really cool. The guys enjoyed different kinds of beer while I stuck to Bud Light. Then we headed to the game to find parking, we ran into a friend of Shawnn's who was parked close to the game so we parked there tailgated for a bit then off to the game we went.

Yesterday I was suppose to go get my permenant eyeliner. I woke up all stopped up and had a horrible headache so I didn't think it would be very smart if I went and had my eyes poked with a needle, so I stayed home. Hopefully I'll get to go have it done in a few weeks.

This coming weekend I plan on getting Christmas stuff ready, maybe doin a little Christmas shopping and get our house good and clean.

Hope everyone has a good week!

~Jamie~

Where has the Year Gone??

2007-11-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe we're officially in November! I'm so excited about the upcoming holidays, Brayden is really into everything this year. Halloween was absolutely wonderful, it brought back so many memories of Halloween as a child. I had planned on taking him to the mall then to some church festivities but instead we went door to door trick or treating and it was the best. I loved trick or treating as a child and I'm so glad I got to take Brayden. Anymore you never know, it's so risky and so many people don't do the door to door anymore. We went to Fianna Hills, it was crazy up there. There were so many trick or treaters up there, it was great though. I asked Brayden on our way home if he had a good time and he said "that was awesome mommy". I can only imagine what next year's goin to be like, I'm so excited! We received the Toys R Us biggest book ever the other day, I showed it to Brayden and he's been in heaven ever since. He looks at it all the time showing Shawnn and I all the stuff he wants, I told him he'll need to show all of that stuff to Santa. At first he asked if I could tell Santa what he wanted, I said no you need to tell him. So it's been exciting watching him get excited about Christmas and Santa Claus.

~HaPpY HaLlOwEeN~

2007-10-31T14:28:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone's having a good Halloween so far. Our's was pretty good until about 2, I got a call from Brayden's daycare this morning, he's been complaining of his left eye hurting, they just wanted to let me know. Then about 2 they called back Brayden's still complaining and crying so Shawnn went to pick him up and then I'm goin home at 3. I hope he doesn't end up sick today, I don't want him to miss out on trick or treating.

Depression

2007-10-30T16:13:00.000-05:00

Most of my friends know that I've suffered from depression. This all started after I had Brayden, post partum depression. I tried not taking anything but eventually I had too. The Dr. prescribed me Lexapro which is a great medication for depression and anxiety (which I also had). When I first started taking it I had insurance, and for almost 2 years now I haven't had insurance so I've been paying $80 a month for a long time. My pharmacist told me last month to check with my Dr. about switching to Celexa, so yesterday I called the Dr. and he switched me to the genric of Celexa. So instead of paying $80 a month I'll only be paying $4 a month!!!! I'm so excited about that.

I'm also excited that I hadn't had my medicine since Saturday evening and I felt fine. Anyone who's been depressed or has had an anxiety attack knows that's great to 'feel fine'. My depression and anxiety wasn't severe like some peoples, but it was severe to me, if that makes sense. I feel good about talking about this topic, some people think being depressed means you're not happy with your life or you're crazy, which both can cause depression. Well I can safely say in my situation I was happy with my life, things just weren't right up stairs, no I'm not crazy and didn't want to end my life or anyone elses, I had a chemical imbalance and that caused me to be depressed and anxious. I personally think there are lots of people that need to be on medication but are to ashamed to take it b/c they're afraid of what people will think, I say this b/c I was one of those people. Now I don't care, the medicine made me better and that's the important thing. I have no problem telling people my story and how I feel compared to how I felt 2 1/2 years ago. Maybe this blog will change other peoples outlook and maybe it'll help someone!

~Jamie~

~My Husband is a Great Man~

2007-10-30T09:01:00.000-05:00

This morning I dropped one of my expensive earrings down the bathroom sink. Last night I was laying in bed and for some weird reason I started thinking about how I haven't dropped an earring or a ring down the sink, it's one of my fears. Then guess what I did this morning. Shawnn was walking by the bathroom when it happened and I gasped, so he quickly opened the door and said WHAT DID YOU DO?!?! So I told him and he got down there and fished it out. I was so thankful he was able to get it out so fast. I've learned my lesson, never will I put my earrings on in the bathroom.

~Weekend~

2007-10-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Monday again, I wish I didn't have to work on Mondays, but then I probably wouldn't like Tuesdays! Our weekend was great, Friday night we just hung out at home so we could do some laundry and get the house 'reorganized'. Saturday evening we took Brayden trick or treating in Van Buren, it was a good time for him, he didn't get much candy but thats ok. Uncle Eric made him a goodie bag so it more than made up for the candy he didn't get trick or treating. Hopefully he'll get lots of candy Wednesday. Yesterday we finished up laundry and I finally got all of our summer clothes packed up and stored. So I feel much more organized this week then I have in a while. It's amazing how good I feel when I have everything done and organized on Monday. Welp, here's to another fun filled work week. Oh and it's the last few days of the month, gettin closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas!! Hope everyone has a great Halloween and a great week.

~Jamie~

Fall has official arrived

2007-10-23T13:06:00.000-05:00

WoW!! I can't believe the difference in the weather, this past weekend I was burning up in short sleeves and jeans, now I have a turtleneck and the heater on, crazy southern weather. Not complaining just stating!!

I have to share this story:
This morning we had to stop by the bank before going to daycare. Brayden loves to stop by the bank to see 'the girls' & get stickers so I always take him with me. Well so we're at the stop light that doesn't stay green but for a split second, and the people in front of me are not in any hurry obviously, so I say to them "for the love of god, will you please go!!!!!", Brayden says "mommy, don't talk that, you love people". He's so right, I don't need to be so hurried, I'm not always like that but I was a little cranky this morning. So after we left the bank I proceeded to tell Brayden that I was cranky, he says "you better not be cranky or you'll have to have a talk with daddy". Where that came from I have no idea but it was very funny. I just love my little sugar booger, he knows just when to say the right things.

Tonight we're craving our pumpkin nana brought us from Oklahoma!!!

This is the perfect quote......

2007-10-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

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Some of our Troops are HOME!!!!

2007-10-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

This is just wonderful!!!

This makes me feel so good, knowing so many mom's, dad's, daughters, son's, grandkids, grandparents, neices and nephews are finally back with their families. My friend Monica's husband Kelly, was one of those troops that got to come home today. Monica has patiently been waiting for this day for over a year. I remember having dinner with her back in January and us talking about him coming home in October. I told her it would be here before she knew it. Much easier for me to say seeing as how I wasn't in her shoes, but it's finally here!!! Now we just need to bring the rest of the troops home!!!!

~~Welcome Home~~

Park hoppin'

2007-10-15T15:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a very relaxing weekend. Saturday Brayden & I went park hoppin', we went to Ben Geren (I took tons of pics but of course forgot my cord so I can't download them) played for a couple of hours, then went to Carol Ann Cross and played for another hour or so. Yesterday, we took Brayden bowling for the first time. We got to the bowling alley around 11 am, Brayden was soooo I mean sooooo excited. We walk up to the doors and guess what?? they were closed!!! They didn't open till 1 on Sunday. So that just broke his little heart, he didn't understand the concept of time and they weren't open. So to 'kill' time we went back to the park and had lunch at Brayden's favorite eating spot, McDonald's!!! Then we finally got to go back to the bowling alley, it was too cute!!! Again I have pics that I'll try key word try to post tomorrow.

Nana's headin to town this week!! We're so excited, she hasn't been here since before her school started back around the beginning of August. We're goin to go shopping this weekend, Brayden Cole needs some new clothes and a much needed haircut. Oh and some new shoes. Bless his heart he only has 1 pair of tennis shoes and a pair of biker boots (that are stinkin cute by the way) but the boy likes shoes he needs a variety. Ok so maybe he doesn't need a variety but he does like shoes and mommy needs a variety to put him in!! I swear if daycare didn't know any better they would think he's an orphan. His hair's shaggy lookin, he wears the same pair of shoes everyday so needless to say they're starting to look a little ragdy. I put him in a pair of jeans last week and yes they were a little shorter than last year but heck they weren't quite the high waters you see, Shawnn made me promise I would never put him in those again. So this weekend we're on the hunt for clothes for Brayden. Friday night we're goin to the Greenwood game. Teresa's son Zach plays for Greenwood and is awesome, PLUS, Howie's callin that game. I thought Brayden would enjoy watchin his Howie 'play' football.

Brayden's once again changed his mind about what he wants to be for Halloween...........a biker (he refers to it as a 'motorcycle man'), I was so excited because it's more original than power rangers, superman or batman. But I have a problem, where am I goin to find all the 'biker' stuff, like chaps & a jacket. I don't want to spend allot but I want him to be cute. So I don't know what he'll be!! Shawnn reminded me that he'll be whatever we buy, he (brayden) doesn't care. Which is true!!!

~~~Jamie~~~

~Contentment~

2007-10-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

Last night I picked up a magazine to read and the first page I turned to was an article about CONTENTMENT, such a big thing for me. Something I've thinking allot about is the fact that people may not be what they seem to be. An example the magazine gave was this counselor was counseling a husband who wanted his wife to be more like so and so he gave a name of a woman in his church, come to find out that woman was an alcoholic and her family was going thru allot. I do wonder about this often, our people REALLY as happy and rich as they appear?? Just something to ponder. This article gave some 'exercises' to do to become content, it's a learned thing not something money can buy.

~Sick~

2007-10-12T17:01:00.000-05:00

I was sickly this morning, noooooo I'm not pregnant for those of you who are wondering!!! I took some medication this morning and I think it just didn't settle well with me, apparently waffles wasn't enough food!! So I went home early for lunch hoping to feel better and I did. Shawnn had a couple of people over watching a dvd for this 'thing'( I call it a 'thing b/c I don't know the name) we're in these days. It was pretty embrassing when I take off running to the bathroom to 'take care' of business. So my hopes of feeling better after eating lunch worked. I was so glad for that I hate feeling crappy especially when I have to work!! I figured since I barfed up everything I had ate today I deserved some french fries, oh and were they yummy!!

Updates

2007-10-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

I've lost a total of 8 lbs, so yay for that. The first week or two you usually lose 3 to 5 lbs. after that the norm is a about 2 lbs. I'm still walking in the mornings, and thinkin about walking another mile in the evenings, it takes me less than 30 mins. to walk a mile so I'm sure I can make time to do it in the evenings.

My next goal......to quit smoking. I could kick myself for starting back up. I had quit the whole time I was pregnant with Brayden and almost 2 years after he was born, then started back up. It's such a nasty habit, I don't want to be a smoker. Plus it's $4 a pack, there are way more things I would like to spend my money on then cigs. So today is my 2nd day of no smoking, I'll admit I'm a little more on edge but it'll be ok and will get better.

Shawnn will pay grandma his last payment in June actually should be June 4th 2008, of $100!!! I'm so excited. We still won't be buying a house next summer b/c of other things we want to pay off. I've mentioned this before so I'm not goin to bore people with it again, if you want to read about it's titled 'Goals'.

Nadine and I had our yard sale last weekend, we did pretty good on Friday but Saturday was an absolute joke, I made $10 on Saturday. But hey at least I got rid of some stuff and did make $68, that's $68 more than what I had Thursday!! Gotta look at from a 'half glass full' point of view.

I think that's about everything for now, sorry my blogs are a bit on the boring side. I've never been much of a writer, but I'm trying.

~Jamie~

Weekend Already

2007-10-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's Friday already!!!

Nadine and I are having our annual yard sale this weekend. This has been the least stressed yard sale I've ever had, well besides doin the kid sale each Spring and Fall, but that to me doesn't count as a yard sale. I pretty much had all of my stuff priced and ready to go, just had to get it all out of the boxes and organized. I talked to Nadine a little earlier and I've already made $56, that's great too me. I'm just glad to get rid of the crap!!

So tomorrow's plans: yard sale from 6:30 to noon, then I'm hoping for rain and storms tomorrow afternoon, we have no plans for the rest of the weekend. My house is CLEAN, YaY!! SO I'll actually get to relax and spend good quality time with my boys.

Hope everyone's week was good and their weekend is even better.

~Jamie~

Where does the time go!?!?!

2007-09-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

~Brayden Halloween 2006~

Monday is the 1st of October, can you believe it, I can't!!! Where has this year gone. I still remember bein pregnant with Brayden just like it was yesterday. Heck I still remember mine and Shawnn's first date just like it was yesterday. That's been 4 years ago. People always tell me once you have kids time really flies, and that's so true. I've also heard once they start school, you better hold on because if you think it's gone by fast before it's about to go super fast. I'm such a rambler, anyways, I thought I would change my template to get ready for Halloween and Fall.

Bye Bloggy!!! ~Jamie~

p.s. it's really starting to look 'fallish' outside!!!

Way to GO!!!!

2007-09-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Well I went ahead and weighed and................................

I lost 5 lbs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm very proud of myself, and hope it just keeps gettin easier and easier.

Where do the weekends go?!?!

2007-09-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

We had a pretty uneventful weekend!! So not much to write about. Saturday evening we did go to a wedding reception for Kevin & Clarissa (Kevin is Shawnn's cousin). Brayden had a blast, when it was time to go he told Shawnn and I that 'that was a party'!!! Glad to know he had a good time. Yesterday Shawnn watched football and I did my usual laundry, dishes, and cleaning the bathroom!!

I'm on my second week of ww's and walking every morning. Today I'm suppose to weigh myself but I'm scared. What if I didn't lose anything, I'm tempted to not weigh and wait til next week.

~Jamie~

Gettin the Hang of This......

2007-09-20T16:05:00.000-05:00

I've been messin around on here and kind of started to figure things out.........I'm a little bothered right now, Two people I went to school with have passed away. Rachael had epilepsy, she had a seizure and drown in her bathtub. I feel so bad for her family losing their daughter at a young age. All the things she'll miss out on and her family will miss out on with her. I know she's in a better place but it's still sad to think of such a horrible way to go. The other person that passed away killed his self, I didn't know him but knew of him. He had a six year old son, I feel for his son. There's no way he can begin to understand why this has happened. I hope I never have to experience anything like either of these families have experienced............On a different much happier note (well for me anyways) I've started weight watchers (ww) and started walking a mile every morning. I feel very confident right now but I have my moments. The best feeling is the accomplishment so far is making it this far. I know it's only been four days but, that's allot for some people. I'm so scared of failure, I haven't signed up for the meetings b/c what if I fail, I want to get an ipod so I can listen to music as I walk but I won't yet b/c what if I fail. I know that sounds harsh and maybe some might think I'm setting myself up for failure. I see it as if I get these things and fail then I'll beat myself up about it but if I don't get these things and fail then at least I didn't waste the money. I have a great support team though so that makes it lots easier. My mom is the BEST, she's done the whole ww thing and it worked great for her, so she knows how I feel. So she's tryin to give me the best advice and she's doin a great job. Shawnn told me last night how proud of me he is and that's great to hear from anyone but especially your husband. Some might think my husband is a little on the harsh side but I think he's the sweetest most thoughtful man alive. Shawnn's a kidder if you can't handle jokes and being teased Shawnn's not the kind of person to be around. He's not mean about it and wouldn't dare kid with someone he just met or doesn't know (unless he gets that 'vibe' from you)..........Brayden told me yesterday that it was "such a lucky day", where he got this from I have no idea but it was sooooo stinkin cute. Well I'm goin to try to do a better job of blogging. I just really enjoy reading everyone's blog. Some of the people I've never met and I feel like I know their life story. Hope everyone has a great rest of the day and IT'S FRIDAY tomorrow!!!! WOOHOO music to my ears. Bye guys!!

~~Jamie~~

~GOALS~

2007-09-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

I've been doin allot of thinking lately about my goals. I've never been one to have goals for myself, guess if I would've then maybe I would've gone to college right after high school. I've always known I would go to college at some point in my life just didn't know when. I felt like goin right after high school wasn't the 'time' for me. I didn't want to waste my parents money by partying all the time (and that's probably what I would've done). But anyways, I really want to go back to school and every since I had Brayden it's been at the top of my list. I want to be able to give Brayden everything he wants (well not everything but you know what I mean) and needs, and not going to college makes that kind of life hard to imagine. Everything's so expensive these days. I mean they're talking about gas prices goin up and I already pay out the butt for gas plus you have daycare, which seems like every time I turn around is goin up. It's usually the most expensive when they're newborns and gets cheaper as they get older (which it has) but right when our daycare fee was about to go down they had a rate increase b/c of the increase in minuim wage. Well Shawnn and I didn't get a raise when minuim wage increased but we noticed everything else went up. Groceries went up, daycare went up, just the whole 'cost of living' went up, which is to be expected but come on!! I get so urked when I start thinking about the cost of stuff. But anyways, back to my main reason for blogging (I have a tendacy to get side tracked and on another story easily). My goals!! I really want to go to school but I don't want to go part time. I watched my mom do that and bless her heart she was a strong and determined woman!! She worked a full time job and went to school part time after working and going to school all day she then had to come home and take care of a family. Well I don't want to do that, if I have to I know I can but........So, we will have Shawnn's grandma paid off by the end of next summer(woohoo, that's music to my ears). That'll be an extra $600 a month, Shawnn and I both will be getting raises in March and April so we'll have more money there too. So with that extra money we are goin to double up on my car payments so we can hurry up and get that paid off. After paying off my car we are planning on saving that extra $600 month and start HOUSE SHOPPING (more music to my ears). We want the 'perfect for us house' so this may take a while. Brayden will start preschool next year so we will have that $400 a month to save as well so once we get the car paid off and get settled in our house I can quit work and start goin to school full time. I'm not opposed to having to work a part time job, but it will be a part time job. I want to work 2 to 3 days a week from 9 to 2 and that's it, no Fridays or weekends. I'm so excited about my goals, it's really helped me. It makes not blowing money so much easier b/c I keep thinking to myself there's a light at the end of the tunnel (the debt tunnel) and we (shawnn and I) will be able to start over. We are so fortunate that Shawnn's grandma paid off some major debt Shawnn had before we got together. Shawnn had tons of credit card debt, it could've been a bad thing if he's grandma wouldn't have been there to help him out. So b/c of he's debt we've had to live on a tight I mean tight budget for 4 years. It's been very hard and at times depressing but now that we see that light we feel so much better. We know that once we get all this paid off we will NEVER go back down that road again. We will have maybe one credit card just in case of emergencies(but I am working on an emergency fund so hopefully we won't have to use that credit card). I'm so stinkin excited about all of this. LIFE really is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend in Ardmore

2007-09-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Well I'm a little behind on blogging. Brayden and I headed to Ardmore last Thursday night got there about 9:30. Friday we hung out with our friends Jennifer and her 2 kiddos. We had a great time, it's been a long time since Jennifer had seen Brayden. The kids got along great which gave Jennifer and I lots of time to catch up. Friday evening we all went to the county fair. Brayden had a ball (I'll follow with pics later). Saturday we headed to Sulpher to play at the park for the day. But as soon as we got settled it started to rain. So we went to another part of the park and the rain followed. We finally made it to the nature center just in time too. Once we got inside it came a down pour. So we looked around at all the creatures they had in there. They had a snake in a cage and in the cage with that snake was his dinner, a mouse! I felt so bad for that mouse b/c at some point that day he was goin to be that snakes dinner. Anyway, the rain finally stopped and we headed back to enjoy some more of the park. We drove around to different parts of the park and looked around. Saturday evening we cooked dinner for nana and pawpaw for grandparents day. We headed home Sunday morning so we could cook dinner for grandma fitch bugga and howie. So it was a great weekend!!

Welcome

2007-08-30T10:59:00.000-05:00

I've decided to start blogging. I really enjoy reading everyone elses blog so I thought I should give it a try. I have lots of family and friends that live far away so I figure this will give them a chance to get 'caught up' on what's goin on in the Howerton home. Also I've been thinkin how I should start writing down all the funny things Brayden says to us. The little guy is hilarious, kids really do say the darnest things. Well I hope everyone enjoys reading our blog as much as I enjoy reading theirs.

~~Jamie~~

The Ramblings of my Life

100!

Off To School

Life's Been Crazy Lately

Making a Change

A Pic Post

Better Luck Next Time.....Or At Least I Hope

Tomorrow's The BIG Day

A Lil Bit Of This, A Lil Bit Of That

Just a Few Things I'm Ready For....

GroundHog's Day

Arkansas Weather Stinks!!

Nice Weekend

In Case You Were Depressed Monday......

Please Pray

Santa Came To Town

Some Christmas Talk

Ok So Maybe I Was Wrong

I'll Never Look At Mac N Cheese The Same

Santa's Lil Helpers

Christmas Is Just Right Around The Corner

Tour Of Homes

What Is Wrong With People?!?!

Bedroom Furniture

Rambles

Election Day

~~HaPPy HaLLoWeeN~~

Good Monday Y'all!!!

A Giveaway

Our 1st House Guests

I'm Baaaaaaccccccckkkkkk

House Hunting

The Big 2 7

Man A Mighty I'm Feeling Worn Out......

Speed Racer Birthday

Been A Long Time

Dentist Appointment

Brayden's Birthday

Easter

Concerned Mommy

~Easter's Already Here!!~

Lazy, Slacker, Procrastinator

Brayden's Headed to Oklahoma

Trying A New Approach

WONDERFUL WEEKEND

Cabin Fever

It Has Been A Long Time

New Camera

Counting Down The Days

Weekend & Migraines

Random

If I Had A Day All Alone.......

Dinner with Friends

IT'S FRIDAY.......

More Resolutions

If I didn't have to work full time.....

No Fair!!!

My Husband Has Issues

New Year Plan

It's been a while

A Sigh of Relief

DeClutter Me Please

Just about Ready

Thankful Thursday

Found this on someone else blog

All I Want for Christmas

Shawnn Update**

Shawwn & Thanksgiving

Holiday Spirit

Blah....

I Love This.......

~~Christmas Decorations~~

Let the Stress Begin....

~~Busy But Fun Weekend~~

Where has the Year Gone??

~HaPpY HaLlOwEeN~

Depression

~My Husband is a Great Man~

~Weekend~

Fall has official arrived

HaPPy HaLLoWeeN

Christmas Decorations

Busy But Fun Weekend