I have had many bizarre events in my life related to stalking Kenny Chesney. I LOVED Kenny Cheney in the early 2000's. So much that it brought about weird circumstances. I thought I would take an inventory of these moments to share.
1. When I got my first checking account, I thought it was so cool to get to order any design I wanted on my checks. So I ordered the "Kenny Chesney style" which featured Kenny at the beach. I thought I was super cool until I actually had to write these checks and give them to people. First weird look was from the cashier at the grocery store (thank goodness for debit cards now) she actually laughed about my checks. Next, was from one of my friends at school. I should probably explain why I was writing him a check...I paid him $15 to catch a fish for me for bonus points in Biology. No way was I catching my own fish to bring into school! My brother was completely annoyed and thought it was the biggest waste of money ever.
2. Next up, Kyle and I went to a Kenny Chesney concert. I was so excited and we were on the second row. I literally took of my seashell style necklace and walked up to the stage and gave it to Kenny. He held my hand and sang "The Good Stuff." I'm sure Kenny still remembers. It was a great moment don't get me wrong, but a little bit embarrassing.
3. One day I was sitting in a lab class and started looking at the news. The headline was "Kenny Chesney married Renee Zellweger!" WHAT???? I might have had a panick attack in the middle of the class that everyone was aware of. Renee?!? Really, Kenny, is that the best you can do??? Sadly, or happily, the marriage was dissolved shorty after leading to much speculation about why "fraud" was claimed on the annulment.
4. Stories started developing about Faith Hill banning Tim from hanging out with Kenny. And that is when I was officially over Tim and Faith. I LOVED Faith and Tim in the 90's early 2000's, but they have both changed. They kind of left their country roots and became stereotypical hollywood.
5. Last year, I was in Nashville visiting PBQS. She had just started dating her boyfriend and we were meeting his sweet family for the first time. T (the boyfriend) revealed at some point that the rumor around town was that Kenny led an alternative lifestyle. And I might have had a nervous breakdown. Did the hand holding at the concert mean nothing to him? Did he really not remember me? My breakdown was so severe, T felt bad for bringing it up. He still to this day feels bad for bursting my Kenny Chesney bubble.
I guess now Kenny and I will have to just be friends. I have moved onto stalking Justin Timberlake, but continue to let Kenny hold a special place in my heart.
As for Kyle, my husband, he continues to shake his head and accept me for my celebrity stalking. He just wishes I would stop referring to them casually as if I really know them.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas
Tonight my little family and I have celebrated a wonderful Christmas Eve! We stayed home all day (Kyle worked part of the day) and made reindeer food, Christmas cookies, homemade chocolate ice cream, and a roast dinner. We attended our church Candlelight service and opened a few gifts afterwards. We finished our evening with some hot chocolate and board games. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season. I know so many people are sick or in need of prayer right now and I hope this Christmas can give you peace and comfort. Thanks be to God for sending Jesus to this earth!
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Jariel The Sequel
I told all five of you faithful blog readers I would keep you posted on the Jariel situation and I just so happen to have an update. For all of you hearing of this for the first time, please let me explain. Jariel was a friend of my grandmothers when my grandparents lived in Louisiana back in the 90s. Jariel always sent grandmother a Christmas card along with a VERY detailed letter every single year. Jariel sent Grandmother a Christmas card last year. And there lies the problem.
Grandmother died 3 years ago and we bought her house last year. So Fanny Pack Mom received the Christmas card on behalf of Grandmother.
Fast forward to this weekend and I was excited to open my mailbox that was full of beautiful Christmas cards! And then I saw it....another card/letter from Jariel once again addresses to my grandmother.
There are three different possible scenarios:
1. Jariel just doesn't know she died.
2. Jariel has lost her marbles.
3. Jariel has made an honest mistake two years in a row.
And I see it as having two different options:
1. Keep waiting each year to see if I receive a card.
2. Write back and let her know about Grandmother.
Option one is the easy road, but shouldn't I let her know? Option two is a little more complicated because I hate to be the bearer of bad news and upset her or even embarrass her for having sent it. AND what if she has just lost her marbles and it confuses her even more?
Quite the delimma here in fanny pack land. What do you all think? Two of grandmothers close friends encouraged me to write her a letter and include one of my family Christmas cards and just send one to her each year. I never actually knew Jariel myself, but I'm sure she knew of me considering I was the favorite grand child. (All of my cousins will appreciate that....Except Scott who really was and knows it ;) I just don't know so all ideas are appreciated.
P.S.---How rude of me....I didn't even tell you what Jariel had been up to according to her letter. She took a 3 week bucket list trip to Istanbul. Maybe I should become closer to Jariel.
Grandmother died 3 years ago and we bought her house last year. So Fanny Pack Mom received the Christmas card on behalf of Grandmother.
Fast forward to this weekend and I was excited to open my mailbox that was full of beautiful Christmas cards! And then I saw it....another card/letter from Jariel once again addresses to my grandmother.
There are three different possible scenarios:
1. Jariel just doesn't know she died.
2. Jariel has lost her marbles.
3. Jariel has made an honest mistake two years in a row.
And I see it as having two different options:
1. Keep waiting each year to see if I receive a card.
2. Write back and let her know about Grandmother.
Option one is the easy road, but shouldn't I let her know? Option two is a little more complicated because I hate to be the bearer of bad news and upset her or even embarrass her for having sent it. AND what if she has just lost her marbles and it confuses her even more?
Quite the delimma here in fanny pack land. What do you all think? Two of grandmothers close friends encouraged me to write her a letter and include one of my family Christmas cards and just send one to her each year. I never actually knew Jariel myself, but I'm sure she knew of me considering I was the favorite grand child. (All of my cousins will appreciate that....Except Scott who really was and knows it ;) I just don't know so all ideas are appreciated.
P.S.---How rude of me....I didn't even tell you what Jariel had been up to according to her letter. She took a 3 week bucket list trip to Istanbul. Maybe I should become closer to Jariel.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
LIFE! (The Email Version)
I must tell you all I have spent the better part of this week being stalked. Yes, I said stalked. It all started when I had to talk to a man about getting a project done for work. I had been warned that he was a little different, but I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. First, he called me 15 times at work. Everyone tapes messages to my door and when I walked up my door appeared to be a paper mâché project. This is only the start of it.
So I called him and he seemed nervous but I told him what I needed to order and he said he would email me an invoice. Mistake #1 was calling him back on my cell phone, which he proceeded to call 3 times in a row to inform me I gave him the wrong email address. Because apparently it's my fault he thought Floyd is spelled "Sloyd."
I was then called again and he said "Well......"
"Well what?"
"Well did you get my invoice I just sent you?"
WELL, sir, we literally just got off the phone and I have not had time to check my email as you are acting like this is an emergency. (I didn't really say that, but it was in my thoughts.)
He then proceeded to tell me to get a check for the full amount and take it to his bank and deposit it. By this point, I was completely confused. Never has a complete stranger asked me to take a check to the bank for him. He then started giving me all of his checking account information along with a power of attorney.
Ok, maybe not the power of attorney, but seriously gave me all the checking AND savings information. By this point, I just told him I would call him when I had a check ready. Fast forward maybe 4 minutes later and I have an email titled "LIFE!" It said, "Maybe I am asking too much of you. I will come get the check myself so you don't have to deposit it for me."
I was too exhausted to deal with him anymore at this point and told our office manager to just get me a check whenever it was convenient for her considering I knew how much she had going on this week and the rest of the month with it being the end of the year.
And since then I have received approximately 14 calls, voicemails, emails, and calls to work. A sweet girl from the ad agency we work with text me to say he even called them looking for me. The funny part is I am not even ignoring him. He is simply that anxious to get a check for work he hasn't even done yet and had to expend any energy working for yet....I take that back he has expended a lot of energy, but simply in his stalking. He is probably sitting outside of my window right now and has probably researched me enough to be reading this post.
Just saying if anyone is looking for Fanny Pack Mom, I will be on the down low until I have that check in the bank for him.
So I called him and he seemed nervous but I told him what I needed to order and he said he would email me an invoice. Mistake #1 was calling him back on my cell phone, which he proceeded to call 3 times in a row to inform me I gave him the wrong email address. Because apparently it's my fault he thought Floyd is spelled "Sloyd."
I was then called again and he said "Well......"
"Well what?"
"Well did you get my invoice I just sent you?"
WELL, sir, we literally just got off the phone and I have not had time to check my email as you are acting like this is an emergency. (I didn't really say that, but it was in my thoughts.)
He then proceeded to tell me to get a check for the full amount and take it to his bank and deposit it. By this point, I was completely confused. Never has a complete stranger asked me to take a check to the bank for him. He then started giving me all of his checking account information along with a power of attorney.
Ok, maybe not the power of attorney, but seriously gave me all the checking AND savings information. By this point, I just told him I would call him when I had a check ready. Fast forward maybe 4 minutes later and I have an email titled "LIFE!" It said, "Maybe I am asking too much of you. I will come get the check myself so you don't have to deposit it for me."
I was too exhausted to deal with him anymore at this point and told our office manager to just get me a check whenever it was convenient for her considering I knew how much she had going on this week and the rest of the month with it being the end of the year.
And since then I have received approximately 14 calls, voicemails, emails, and calls to work. A sweet girl from the ad agency we work with text me to say he even called them looking for me. The funny part is I am not even ignoring him. He is simply that anxious to get a check for work he hasn't even done yet and had to expend any energy working for yet....I take that back he has expended a lot of energy, but simply in his stalking. He is probably sitting outside of my window right now and has probably researched me enough to be reading this post.
Just saying if anyone is looking for Fanny Pack Mom, I will be on the down low until I have that check in the bank for him.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
3 years of Christmas in Heaven
Today marks 3 years since my Grandmother passed away. Time marches on. I will never forget that first Christmas season without her and how much seemed to be missing. No cookies to be made with her, no major decorations, no Christmas dinner that was a feast for kings with the table set perfectly.
Every December 4th is sad and I'm sure always will be for our family. But today was very special for me. I hosted a Junior Auxiliary Christmas party for our life and associate members. When we originally planned it I just planned for the first Thursday in December and didn't think about what day it would fall on. I was nervous and nostalgic when it fell on December 4th. My grandmother was a life Junior Auxiliary member and it was something special we shared. So I did just what my grandmother would have done...I painted my nails bright red and had my house (which was her house) as decorated as she would have had it for such an event. And all of her sweet friends came to the party. It was so bittersweet, as my ideal situation would have been her right there with them. However, I was just so happy to see them and have them in the house for the first time since it has been my house. I have been so careful not to change things too much, yet make the house my own. When we first bought her house, I worried it would be sad for me. It has been such the opposite though. This house brings me so much joy, just as it did for her and my grandfather. I feel comfortable in this house and love the connection it gives me to my grandparents. Sometimes I feel a cool breeze beside me in the house and I always feel like it is grandmother or grandfather. It is not a scary feeling, it is actually really neat. (Kyle thinks I am CRAY CRAY.) (Kyle also jokes that grandmother will haunt me when I do something to her house she doesn't like.) There is a corner of my closet that smells just like my grandmother and when I walk inside the house sometimes it even smells just like it used to when they lived here.
Three years ago I was left devestated to lose my grandmother. Today, though I am still sad and miss her greatly, I feel like I am making the best of it and doing just what she would want me to. I will continue to try to make Christmas as grand as she did, but I know in my heart it doesn't compare to the Christmas season she has in heaven with Jesus.
Every December 4th is sad and I'm sure always will be for our family. But today was very special for me. I hosted a Junior Auxiliary Christmas party for our life and associate members. When we originally planned it I just planned for the first Thursday in December and didn't think about what day it would fall on. I was nervous and nostalgic when it fell on December 4th. My grandmother was a life Junior Auxiliary member and it was something special we shared. So I did just what my grandmother would have done...I painted my nails bright red and had my house (which was her house) as decorated as she would have had it for such an event. And all of her sweet friends came to the party. It was so bittersweet, as my ideal situation would have been her right there with them. However, I was just so happy to see them and have them in the house for the first time since it has been my house. I have been so careful not to change things too much, yet make the house my own. When we first bought her house, I worried it would be sad for me. It has been such the opposite though. This house brings me so much joy, just as it did for her and my grandfather. I feel comfortable in this house and love the connection it gives me to my grandparents. Sometimes I feel a cool breeze beside me in the house and I always feel like it is grandmother or grandfather. It is not a scary feeling, it is actually really neat. (Kyle thinks I am CRAY CRAY.) (Kyle also jokes that grandmother will haunt me when I do something to her house she doesn't like.) There is a corner of my closet that smells just like my grandmother and when I walk inside the house sometimes it even smells just like it used to when they lived here.
Three years ago I was left devestated to lose my grandmother. Today, though I am still sad and miss her greatly, I feel like I am making the best of it and doing just what she would want me to. I will continue to try to make Christmas as grand as she did, but I know in my heart it doesn't compare to the Christmas season she has in heaven with Jesus.
I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
Around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
Please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear an angel sing.
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear an angel sing.
I can’t tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?
I’ll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love;
So then pray for one another,
As you lift your eyes above.
As I tell Him of your love;
So then pray for one another,
As you lift your eyes above.
Please let your heart be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,
And let your spirit sing.
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I’m walking with the King!
I know how much you miss me;
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I’m not so far away,
We really aren’t apart.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I’m not so far away,
We really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love.
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love.
After all “love” is the gift,
More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.
More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other
As my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings
Or the love He has for you.
As my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings
Or the love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear.
Remember I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!
Wipe away that tear.
Remember I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!
-Author Unknown
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Movie Review Monday
Kyle and I rarely go to see movies when they are out in theaters. That is unless we are talking about kids movies that we take the boys to see. Recently we have gone to see not just one, but two movies I have been dying to see!
First up...Gone Girl
I read the book and loved it! The author has to be a creative genius to think up the things she did in this book. The only thing that made it hard to read was the language. I cringe every time I read or hear the Lord's name taken in vain. Plus it was a little dark, but still interesting.
I have heard mixed reviews about the movie, but ultimately I really liked it. I felt like it stuck to the book closely which made it wonderful. Same issues with the language and too many "physical" scenes, but still very creative. The actors were amazing! I wasn't as impressed with Ben Affleck as I was the girl who played Amy. She was incredible! And as always I love Neil Patrick Harris!
A lot of people are unhappy with the ending, but I think it made so much sense to the story and character's personalities. I need to read another Gillian Flynn book ASAP!
Oh and in case you are wondering....Kyle's review was that Amy was crazy and it was a little weird, but overall good.
Next...The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Oh The Hunger games! Another trend Kyle and I were late to get into. We randomly rented the first movie late last year and loved it! It was a little disturbing, but that is apparently the way movies are going these days. We quickly rented the second movie as well and have been counting down the days to go see the third movie in theaters. So we headed to the theater with PBQS, her boyfriend, and my dad. Yes, my dad, who knew nothing about The Hunger Games and has not seen the two previous movies. He still for some unknown reason wanted to go, so he went with us.
I knew exactly how this scenario would play out...he would be asking questions the entire time. You know who else likes to ask questions during movies...PBQS. You know who doesnt like to speak or answer questions during movies...ME. So I specifically sat on the end seat on the opposite side of my dad and Abby. I actually didn't hear a peep out of them aside from seeing my dad throw up the mockingjay hand symbol when other characters in the movie did it to support Katniss. At least he was enjoying it.
So back to the movie, I did enjoy it. I felt like a nervous wreck the entire time. It was great, but I think it was kind of like a really long preview of Part 2. I am so ready for Part 2! I could read the book, but I just adore Jennifer Lawrence and like watching her play Katniss. She is a great actress and keeps it real!
As a bonus we rented Divergent on Sunday night. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as The Hunger Games, but I loved it!! It was similar to Hunger Games, yet so different! And yay for the second movie in the series coming out in March!
Next up...a bunch of my favorite Christmas movies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with my boys!
First up...Gone Girl
I read the book and loved it! The author has to be a creative genius to think up the things she did in this book. The only thing that made it hard to read was the language. I cringe every time I read or hear the Lord's name taken in vain. Plus it was a little dark, but still interesting.
I have heard mixed reviews about the movie, but ultimately I really liked it. I felt like it stuck to the book closely which made it wonderful. Same issues with the language and too many "physical" scenes, but still very creative. The actors were amazing! I wasn't as impressed with Ben Affleck as I was the girl who played Amy. She was incredible! And as always I love Neil Patrick Harris!
A lot of people are unhappy with the ending, but I think it made so much sense to the story and character's personalities. I need to read another Gillian Flynn book ASAP!
Oh and in case you are wondering....Kyle's review was that Amy was crazy and it was a little weird, but overall good.
Next...The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Oh The Hunger games! Another trend Kyle and I were late to get into. We randomly rented the first movie late last year and loved it! It was a little disturbing, but that is apparently the way movies are going these days. We quickly rented the second movie as well and have been counting down the days to go see the third movie in theaters. So we headed to the theater with PBQS, her boyfriend, and my dad. Yes, my dad, who knew nothing about The Hunger Games and has not seen the two previous movies. He still for some unknown reason wanted to go, so he went with us.
I knew exactly how this scenario would play out...he would be asking questions the entire time. You know who else likes to ask questions during movies...PBQS. You know who doesnt like to speak or answer questions during movies...ME. So I specifically sat on the end seat on the opposite side of my dad and Abby. I actually didn't hear a peep out of them aside from seeing my dad throw up the mockingjay hand symbol when other characters in the movie did it to support Katniss. At least he was enjoying it.
So back to the movie, I did enjoy it. I felt like a nervous wreck the entire time. It was great, but I think it was kind of like a really long preview of Part 2. I am so ready for Part 2! I could read the book, but I just adore Jennifer Lawrence and like watching her play Katniss. She is a great actress and keeps it real!
As a bonus we rented Divergent on Sunday night. I wasn't sure if I would like it as much as The Hunger Games, but I loved it!! It was similar to Hunger Games, yet so different! And yay for the second movie in the series coming out in March!
Next up...a bunch of my favorite Christmas movies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with my boys!
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Business of Performing Miracles
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:6 is one of my favorite Bible verses. I think of it when I am worried and use it as a guide of how to pray. Yesterday was bittersweet. We had a wonderful church service with an unscripted moment. One of our deacons was about to lead the prayer, when he asked everyone to sit down because he needed to speak and it might take awhile. What followed was completely heartfelt and precious. He talked about Thanksgiving and what he was truly thankful for. He seemed nervous and emotional as he spoke. I couldn't help but notice as he was nervous and would pause, he would twist his wedding band on his hand. He spoke about how thankful he was for our church, the people in it, and all of the people who serve our church as well as the people who served in the past. He is a sweet man who serves our church greatly himself. I remember him being one of the first people in the balcony to greet us as we were first attending our church. Over the years, we haven't seem him as much since his wife has been ill and they haven't been in the balcony. I teach Sunday School every other week and always notice how he brings his young grandchildren to church with him. In his prayer, he asked for us to continue to pray for his wife. It broke my heart. And then he said he was thankful that God was still in the business of performing miracles. I pray for a miracle for him and his family. I also pray that when Kyle and I are older we can be serving our church and impacting people.
Last night we were driving home and noticed what looked like a search crew. I later found out a 2 year old boy had walked out of his home and was missing. I kept praying for him to be found safely. As I prayed, I could hear the wind roaring and prayed that that baby was safe from the elements. That boy is still missing and our town is working overtime with volunteers to find him. I am also thankful that God is still in the business of performing miracles. And I pray for a miracle for this innocent child.
Philippians 4:6 is one of my favorite Bible verses. I think of it when I am worried and use it as a guide of how to pray. Yesterday was bittersweet. We had a wonderful church service with an unscripted moment. One of our deacons was about to lead the prayer, when he asked everyone to sit down because he needed to speak and it might take awhile. What followed was completely heartfelt and precious. He talked about Thanksgiving and what he was truly thankful for. He seemed nervous and emotional as he spoke. I couldn't help but notice as he was nervous and would pause, he would twist his wedding band on his hand. He spoke about how thankful he was for our church, the people in it, and all of the people who serve our church as well as the people who served in the past. He is a sweet man who serves our church greatly himself. I remember him being one of the first people in the balcony to greet us as we were first attending our church. Over the years, we haven't seem him as much since his wife has been ill and they haven't been in the balcony. I teach Sunday School every other week and always notice how he brings his young grandchildren to church with him. In his prayer, he asked for us to continue to pray for his wife. It broke my heart. And then he said he was thankful that God was still in the business of performing miracles. I pray for a miracle for him and his family. I also pray that when Kyle and I are older we can be serving our church and impacting people.
Last night we were driving home and noticed what looked like a search crew. I later found out a 2 year old boy had walked out of his home and was missing. I kept praying for him to be found safely. As I prayed, I could hear the wind roaring and prayed that that baby was safe from the elements. That boy is still missing and our town is working overtime with volunteers to find him. I am also thankful that God is still in the business of performing miracles. And I pray for a miracle for this innocent child.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Wedding Trivia
After my post yesterday, I started laughing thinking about tidbits from family weddings of the past. These are some of the things I came up with:
1. When I got married, my grandmother took me to buy a special pair of pearl earrings. Kyle bought me the matching pearl bracelet as a gift. These are two treasures to me!
2. When Austin was the ring bearer years ago in a wedding, man purse uncle tripped him as he walked down the aisle.
3. When I was getting married and getting ready to walk into the chapel, man purse uncle was standing outside the door talking to me and my dad. (Sidenote---why was he out there at this point in time...I wish I could remember???) He kept trying to trick my dad into saying "My mother and I do" instead of "HER mother and I do" when asked who gives this woman.
4. Every wedding I have been in has resulted in divorce with the exception of my own wedding. Interesting, scary, and bizarre all in one.
5. Speaking of weddings, Kyle never wears his wedding band. Never. He says it is super uncomfortable. I even bought him a new one a couple of years ago. Every so often I ask him how people are supposed to know he's married and he just says, "Because I act married." I guess that is all that really matters, people....If you act married.
6. I colored my hair brown literally days before my wedding. I don't even look like myself in pictures.
7. I am the wedding director in Austin and Tessa's wedding. This is a title I gave myself. Tessa agreed to it to be nice and because she knows I love to take control and will put someone in line if needed.
8. I was asking Tessa about the kind of cake they were having at the wedding and she started looking at me a little weird. I finally realized I had the details of her wedding confused with the recent Duggar wedding.
9. I got married Christmas week, Austin is getting married Thanksgiving week. Abby can choose between Easter, 4th of July or Labor Day when her time comes.
10. I love wedding cake. The end.
10. I love wedding cake. The end.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Austin Getting Married
I think I have mentioned before that my brother is getting married. Getting married in less than two weeks I should mention. I have known he was getting married since the day he sent me pictures of the ring he picked out earlier this year, but I still can't believe the day is almost here! The day he was preparing to propose I took Tessa (soon to be sister in law) to get her nails done, so she would have freshly painted nails in her first pictures with her engagement ring. Priorities people. I was clearly thinking straight in the excitement. Meanwhile my mom and Grandaddy were (literally) back at the ranch helping Austin prepare for his proposal, which included an airplane fly over and letters made out of flour. Sidenote---it's apparently harder than it looks to make massive letters out of flour. I wouldn't know because like I said, NAIL TIME, but my mom claims it's an art.
Back to the story of Austin getting married, things are getting funny around here. Not funny because of the marriage itself because we are just thrilled about the union. Funny because of shenanigans my husband is mostly behind. Kyle is Austin's best man in the wedding. Kyle is also famous for things like instigating and encouraging bizarre behavior for kicks. For example, when Austin was in maybe 5th grade we all went on a big family/friend cruise for spring break. We drove past a place on the way to the ship called "Ralph's Grill." Kyle then began calling Austin "Ralph" and before we knew it everyone on the cruise called him Ralph. And 4 years later everyone was still calling him Ralph until he finally put his foot down demanding NO MORE RALPH! Kyle and Austin are both participating in No Shave November. While we have told them they WILL shave before the wedding, Kyle is doing his best to convince Austin otherwise.
When Austin was younger, he for some unknown reason went into the woods and cut down the most awkward, bizarre Christmas tree and placed it in his room in a container of water. After Christmas when the tree was more than dead, Austin proceeded to throw the tree out of his bedroom window. It was the biggest mess I have ever witnessed. He then used the central vac system to vacumm the excess water up. Oops. As much of a mess as it was, it was highly entertaining. Last night I was laying in bed and hear Kyle walk into the room on the phone with Austin saying, "I want you to go out to the woods tomorrow and cut down a tree for the living room in your new house...I will even help you."
Shenanigans, I tell you. shenanigans. The main concern I have right now is the speech Kyle will give at the rehersal dinner. I have considered writing it myself and slipping it to him, but he won't go for that. I will be sure to report on it though.
Tessa is a fan favorite of Krews and Kole. She hardly misses one of their events and they always are thrilled to see her. She is always kind to them, while Austin's idea of being a good uncle is scaring them, chasing them, or "fighting" them. I should mention when Krews was born the only contact Austin had with him was touching his forehead. When he was almost a month old I tricked him into oddly holding him. Every child needs a fun uncle!
As for me, I am so excited for Austin to be married and for me to have someone to be on my side to say, "NO! You cannot go hunting this weekend." I'm only kidding (semi-kidding) I am excited for Austin and Tessa to be married and be able to experience life together as a married couple. And I'm excited to have another person to participate in my cookie making party at Christmas with as much enthusiasm as me. While I can't promise Tessa that she will come into an normal, well behaved family, I can promise her she comes into it with open arms and will probably need her own blog to tell stories like I'm sharing with you now.
Back to the story of Austin getting married, things are getting funny around here. Not funny because of the marriage itself because we are just thrilled about the union. Funny because of shenanigans my husband is mostly behind. Kyle is Austin's best man in the wedding. Kyle is also famous for things like instigating and encouraging bizarre behavior for kicks. For example, when Austin was in maybe 5th grade we all went on a big family/friend cruise for spring break. We drove past a place on the way to the ship called "Ralph's Grill." Kyle then began calling Austin "Ralph" and before we knew it everyone on the cruise called him Ralph. And 4 years later everyone was still calling him Ralph until he finally put his foot down demanding NO MORE RALPH! Kyle and Austin are both participating in No Shave November. While we have told them they WILL shave before the wedding, Kyle is doing his best to convince Austin otherwise.
When Austin was younger, he for some unknown reason went into the woods and cut down the most awkward, bizarre Christmas tree and placed it in his room in a container of water. After Christmas when the tree was more than dead, Austin proceeded to throw the tree out of his bedroom window. It was the biggest mess I have ever witnessed. He then used the central vac system to vacumm the excess water up. Oops. As much of a mess as it was, it was highly entertaining. Last night I was laying in bed and hear Kyle walk into the room on the phone with Austin saying, "I want you to go out to the woods tomorrow and cut down a tree for the living room in your new house...I will even help you."
Shenanigans, I tell you. shenanigans. The main concern I have right now is the speech Kyle will give at the rehersal dinner. I have considered writing it myself and slipping it to him, but he won't go for that. I will be sure to report on it though.
Tessa is a fan favorite of Krews and Kole. She hardly misses one of their events and they always are thrilled to see her. She is always kind to them, while Austin's idea of being a good uncle is scaring them, chasing them, or "fighting" them. I should mention when Krews was born the only contact Austin had with him was touching his forehead. When he was almost a month old I tricked him into oddly holding him. Every child needs a fun uncle!
As for me, I am so excited for Austin to be married and for me to have someone to be on my side to say, "NO! You cannot go hunting this weekend." I'm only kidding (semi-kidding) I am excited for Austin and Tessa to be married and be able to experience life together as a married couple. And I'm excited to have another person to participate in my cookie making party at Christmas with as much enthusiasm as me. While I can't promise Tessa that she will come into an normal, well behaved family, I can promise her she comes into it with open arms and will probably need her own blog to tell stories like I'm sharing with you now.
Monday, November 17, 2014
How Dare I
Kyle and I have been watching the interview series The Man Who Killed Osama Bin Laden. I wasn't necessarily planning to watch the series, but we stumbled upon it one night and were immediately drawn in to the interview. To be honest with you, this news loving and current events junkie hasn't been keeping up with world news lately. I would see things going on in the Middle East and other important subjects and would change the channel or put down my readings. And then we watched the first part of the interview and I thought to myself...
How dare I.
How dare I turn a blind eye to the things going on in our world just because they are hard to deal with and not easy to cope with hearing. It is our job as Americans to be informed and know what is happening. And how dare I feel like it is a inconvenience to me to have to hear about these tough subjects like beheading, Christian persecution, and terrorism, when innocent people are having to live these terrible scenarios every single day.
How dare I.
I will never forget 9/11. It was a day that changed America. My young mind was changed and shaped on that day as well. It was a day that put fear into our world. Innocence was lost. Fear was disbursed throughout our nation. In the days following though, I remember such a strong sense of country and patriotism. United we stand, divided we fall became the running theme. America had been attacked, but was not going to be taken down. I still have chills when I see the video of President Bush shouting from the rubble, "I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon." The crowd reacted with loud, prolonged chants of "USA! USA!" We were united.
How dare I.
How dare I for ever turning the channel when it was too hard to hear that terrorism is still alive and in our world. This war that started by purely evil terrorists on 9/11 is still alive and always will be until every last enemy of America in gone. The interview series on killing Bin Laden reminded me of this and not just the negative side of it.
I remember watching the news late one night and hearing President declare, "Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
During the special, Navy Seal Rob talked about the 82 minute helicopter ride to the mission to take down Bin Laden. He counted to 1000 and back to 1 over and over to keep his mind busy. And then he remembered President Bush saying, "Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended."
Rob hopped off the plane and repeated over and over to himself, "Freedom will be defended."
He talked about the mission and how all of the seals worked together with perfect teamwork. They all put each other's safety ahead of their own. They were all on that mission to put each American's personal safety ahead of their own. They went on the mission without any hesitation. Just 15 hours earlier they had each been home safely with their families, but put each American family above their own. We have the most incredible group of men and women in the world defending us.
How dare I.
How dare I ever take our defenders for granted by not staying in tune with what is going on in their world.
The special showed the reactions of family members of 9/11 victims. Most of them seemed relieved to hear details of the mission. It gave them a sense of closure. For me it gave me a restored sense of patriotism. It reminded me how great our defense system is and gave me a sense of comfort and safety.
Should Rob have gone on record and publicly told his story? I don't know. I know for many people it gave them answers, details, and was a great resource for information. I do not feel like he breached the security of our country. If I were him or his family, I would be more worried about HIS personal safety after such an open interview that partly even took place in hometown.
That is the great thing about our American soldier though.....They are completely fearless. The go into battle every day and put their life on the line for you and for me.
How dare I.
If I ever forget.
How dare I.
How dare I turn a blind eye to the things going on in our world just because they are hard to deal with and not easy to cope with hearing. It is our job as Americans to be informed and know what is happening. And how dare I feel like it is a inconvenience to me to have to hear about these tough subjects like beheading, Christian persecution, and terrorism, when innocent people are having to live these terrible scenarios every single day.
How dare I.
I will never forget 9/11. It was a day that changed America. My young mind was changed and shaped on that day as well. It was a day that put fear into our world. Innocence was lost. Fear was disbursed throughout our nation. In the days following though, I remember such a strong sense of country and patriotism. United we stand, divided we fall became the running theme. America had been attacked, but was not going to be taken down. I still have chills when I see the video of President Bush shouting from the rubble, "I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon." The crowd reacted with loud, prolonged chants of "USA! USA!" We were united.
How dare I.
How dare I for ever turning the channel when it was too hard to hear that terrorism is still alive and in our world. This war that started by purely evil terrorists on 9/11 is still alive and always will be until every last enemy of America in gone. The interview series on killing Bin Laden reminded me of this and not just the negative side of it.
I remember watching the news late one night and hearing President declare, "Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
Almost 10 years later Bin Laden was killed. And I wasn't a scared, young girl anymore, but now a wife and mother to one with another precious baby on the way. I sat up and cried tears as I heard that President Obama had just called President Bush to let him know that Bin Laden had been taken down. I cried tears as I watched the people in the streets of NYC and DC chanting USA! USA! United we stand, divided we fall. We were still united 10 years later.
Americans disagree on politics, but nothing brings us together more than patriotism. We fiercely love our country and the men and women who defend us every day.
During the special, Navy Seal Rob talked about the 82 minute helicopter ride to the mission to take down Bin Laden. He counted to 1000 and back to 1 over and over to keep his mind busy. And then he remembered President Bush saying, "Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended."
Rob hopped off the plane and repeated over and over to himself, "Freedom will be defended."
He talked about the mission and how all of the seals worked together with perfect teamwork. They all put each other's safety ahead of their own. They were all on that mission to put each American's personal safety ahead of their own. They went on the mission without any hesitation. Just 15 hours earlier they had each been home safely with their families, but put each American family above their own. We have the most incredible group of men and women in the world defending us.
How dare I.
How dare I ever take our defenders for granted by not staying in tune with what is going on in their world.
The special showed the reactions of family members of 9/11 victims. Most of them seemed relieved to hear details of the mission. It gave them a sense of closure. For me it gave me a restored sense of patriotism. It reminded me how great our defense system is and gave me a sense of comfort and safety.
Should Rob have gone on record and publicly told his story? I don't know. I know for many people it gave them answers, details, and was a great resource for information. I do not feel like he breached the security of our country. If I were him or his family, I would be more worried about HIS personal safety after such an open interview that partly even took place in hometown.
That is the great thing about our American soldier though.....They are completely fearless. The go into battle every day and put their life on the line for you and for me.
How dare I.
If I ever forget.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
The Decision
After my post yesterday, I received a lot of feedback under my Facebook link of the post. And it was all so helpful! The main message I was receiving is I need to do it more for ME. I need to not worry about it being scheduled or have long, detailed posts. My main priority is going to be to document, by writing, important events in our lives. I also love "story telling" so that will be high on my priority list. Basically, I want it to be a little more organic.
With that being said, yesterday was an unexpected wonderful day. Krews had a little allergy to a bug bite, so I kept him home from school. I kept Kole home too because why not? We had the best day watching movies and spending the day in pajamas. It was the perfect day. And completely unplanned. I think if my blog can have that same approach it will be perfect for me.
One of the movies we watched was Toy Story 3. I love all of the Toy Story movies and my kid's love Buzz and Woody. By the end of the movie, Krews was in tears because he was sad that Andy was giving his toys away and going to college. It made me want to cry too just watching him. Then I started getting upset thinking about when my kid's go off to college and leave home. I had just heard that Toy Story 4 was going to be in theaters in 2017. My initial reaction was excitement, but then I had a moment of worry. What if by 2017 my kids don't see the magic in Toy Story? What if it is not the same?? As you can tell, I waste a lot of time with worry and borrowing trouble.
For now I am going to enjoy the present because I will not always have a 3 and 5 year old. And with this blog, I hope when they do go off to college it will give me the opportunity to read what we were doing and re live it. And I hope it will bring me as much joy as these day's with young children brings me now.
With that being said, yesterday was an unexpected wonderful day. Krews had a little allergy to a bug bite, so I kept him home from school. I kept Kole home too because why not? We had the best day watching movies and spending the day in pajamas. It was the perfect day. And completely unplanned. I think if my blog can have that same approach it will be perfect for me.
One of the movies we watched was Toy Story 3. I love all of the Toy Story movies and my kid's love Buzz and Woody. By the end of the movie, Krews was in tears because he was sad that Andy was giving his toys away and going to college. It made me want to cry too just watching him. Then I started getting upset thinking about when my kid's go off to college and leave home. I had just heard that Toy Story 4 was going to be in theaters in 2017. My initial reaction was excitement, but then I had a moment of worry. What if by 2017 my kids don't see the magic in Toy Story? What if it is not the same?? As you can tell, I waste a lot of time with worry and borrowing trouble.
For now I am going to enjoy the present because I will not always have a 3 and 5 year old. And with this blog, I hope when they do go off to college it will give me the opportunity to read what we were doing and re live it. And I hope it will bring me as much joy as these day's with young children brings me now.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
The Struggle
I feel like I'm in a bit of a blogging funk and am really questioning the entire thing. I love writing and the creative element. I love documenting my life, so I can always remember all if it. But I question is it what I should be doing? Does it really matter? Is it a good use of time? Should I expose details of my life and my family's life? I just don't know. I also worry that my blog could seem annoying to some people, so if I continue as I have been I question whether to link it to my Facebook page or not. I just don't know. I might also just post less often to see how I feel about it. The reason I bring any of this up is to be honest, which is the main purpose of this blog. And also because I did post yesterday, but without a link to Facebook and had several people ask why I didn't, as I typically post 5 days a week.
Maybe it is just a funk. But I just wanted to let anyone who is wondering know where I stand.
Maybe it is just a funk. But I just wanted to let anyone who is wondering know where I stand.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Is It Just Me...
I decided to do a whole post on things that often make me wonder...
"Is it just me..."
1. Is it just me or is your mailbox happy to be free of political flyers now too?
2. Is it just me or is it bizarre how it can be 30 degrees when you wake up and 65 degrees by afternoon?
3. Is it just me or is it a little interesting that Jessica Beil is all of a sudden pregnant after JT was supposedly cheating on her???
4. Is it just me that isn't excited for Doc Martens to be back in style?
5. Is it just me or are you a little concerned too about Bruce Jenner's long hair and perfectly painted pink fingernails?
6. Is it just me or is Jimmy Fallon one of the greatest late night talents ever? Seriously he can sing, dance, act like no other late night host in ages!
7. Is it just me or do you lose your phone while talking on it too?
8. Is it just me that doesn't actually like anything pumpkin flavored, but loves the scent along with all other fall scents?
9. Is it just me or is it hard to eat healthy as the weather gets colder and the clothes get more baggy?
10. Is it just me or is the part of the year with the nicest weather typically spent with people inside because it also happens to be the most sickly time of year?
Maybe it is all just me.
"Is it just me..."
1. Is it just me or is your mailbox happy to be free of political flyers now too?
2. Is it just me or is it bizarre how it can be 30 degrees when you wake up and 65 degrees by afternoon?
3. Is it just me or is it a little interesting that Jessica Beil is all of a sudden pregnant after JT was supposedly cheating on her???
4. Is it just me that isn't excited for Doc Martens to be back in style?
5. Is it just me or are you a little concerned too about Bruce Jenner's long hair and perfectly painted pink fingernails?
6. Is it just me or is Jimmy Fallon one of the greatest late night talents ever? Seriously he can sing, dance, act like no other late night host in ages!
7. Is it just me or do you lose your phone while talking on it too?
8. Is it just me that doesn't actually like anything pumpkin flavored, but loves the scent along with all other fall scents?
9. Is it just me or is it hard to eat healthy as the weather gets colder and the clothes get more baggy?
10. Is it just me or is the part of the year with the nicest weather typically spent with people inside because it also happens to be the most sickly time of year?
Maybe it is all just me.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Friday Favorites: Princess Kate Style
Happy Friday! It has been a great week at our house! Now it is time for another edition of Friday Favorites.
1. LK Bennett shoes:
My brother is getting married at the end of November! I have been looking for the perfect outfit and shoes and kept coming back to the LK Bennett pumps like Princess Kate is often pictured wearing.
I stumbled upon them on sale and decided to go for it! I am so excited and will wear this classic look for many years!
2. Favorite follow up:
Everyone enjoyed hearing about Kitty Floyd last week. And now Kitty Floyd is popping up in unexpected places. I walked in the bathroom the other, day shut the door, and heard a meow followed by Kitty Floyd jumping OUT OF NOWHERE. Bizarre. The funny thing is my soon to be sister in law said she spent 30 minutes looking for Kitty Floyd Halloween night to put him safely in the house. She had heard a scary story about people torturing cast's on Halloween. Have I ever mentioned Kitty Floyd also got stuck WAY up in a tree one time. He finally jumped. And survived. He is probably down to about 2 lives.
3. Favorite Faux Fur:
When I was sick last week, I decided to order a new robe and house shoes. I got them from Pottery Barn and they are both sooo comfy. I like the faux fur...it gives me a little style even when wearing a robe. I will now be on a mission for a faux fur fanny pack.
4. Favorite game:
Kyle went to a Dallas Cowboys football game on Sunday with some guys from our Sunday School class. He brought the boys back some treats and they were thrilled!!
5. Favorite throwback:
I posted this pic to Instagram as my #TBT because the election week made me miss broadcast journalism. Funny story....I helped keep a blog for the show Fox & Friends called "In the Greenroom." It was a behind the scenes look at all of the guests that came on the show. I loved it and meeting so many cool people!
For more Friday Favorites check out Erika, Andrea, and Narci.
1. LK Bennett shoes:
My brother is getting married at the end of November! I have been looking for the perfect outfit and shoes and kept coming back to the LK Bennett pumps like Princess Kate is often pictured wearing.
I stumbled upon them on sale and decided to go for it! I am so excited and will wear this classic look for many years!
2. Favorite follow up:
Everyone enjoyed hearing about Kitty Floyd last week. And now Kitty Floyd is popping up in unexpected places. I walked in the bathroom the other, day shut the door, and heard a meow followed by Kitty Floyd jumping OUT OF NOWHERE. Bizarre. The funny thing is my soon to be sister in law said she spent 30 minutes looking for Kitty Floyd Halloween night to put him safely in the house. She had heard a scary story about people torturing cast's on Halloween. Have I ever mentioned Kitty Floyd also got stuck WAY up in a tree one time. He finally jumped. And survived. He is probably down to about 2 lives.
3. Favorite Faux Fur:
When I was sick last week, I decided to order a new robe and house shoes. I got them from Pottery Barn and they are both sooo comfy. I like the faux fur...it gives me a little style even when wearing a robe. I will now be on a mission for a faux fur fanny pack.
4. Favorite game:
Kyle went to a Dallas Cowboys football game on Sunday with some guys from our Sunday School class. He brought the boys back some treats and they were thrilled!!
5. Favorite throwback:
I posted this pic to Instagram as my #TBT because the election week made me miss broadcast journalism. Funny story....I helped keep a blog for the show Fox & Friends called "In the Greenroom." It was a behind the scenes look at all of the guests that came on the show. I loved it and meeting so many cool people!
For more Friday Favorites check out Erika, Andrea, and Narci.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Curious Case of Jeriel's Christmas Card
Growing up I always loved spending Christmas night at my grandmother's house. She made Christmas time a grand affair. All of her friends would send her Christmas cards and she would display them on her China cabinet. Every year we loved looking at each of them, but my favorite was from her out of town friend Jeriel. Jeriel always sent a Christmas card with a letter in it reviewing her year. Jeriel was very detailed. That is my nice way of saying Jeriel put wayyyy too much information about her and her family in the letter. She described surgeries and other things no one wanted to hear about. It was so bizarre that it became an annual Christmas tradition that I would read the card aloud to my cousins, who loved this just as much as me.
Grandmother passed away almost 3 years ago at Christmas time. She knew her time was ending and was so upset to be leaving us at Christmas. And so was I. Christmas, tradition, and Grandmother all went hand in hand. I worried Christmas would never be the same without her.
Fast forward two years later and we had moved into her house. I was hosting all of my family for Christmas and was bound and determined to recreate Grandmother's perfect Christmas traditions. I made her famous gingerbread men, wreath cookies, and nut nugget. I decorated the entire house and even made her fruit ice ring for our fruit punch. Everything was in place and ready!
And then the greatest most bizarre thing ever happened.
I went to check my mail and there was a Christmas card from Jeriel, letter and all. It was addressed to my grandmother and sent to my house. My first thought was pure joy because my Christmas celebration could once again consist of a letter from Jeriel. My second thought was oh my gosh she has either lost her mind of doesn't know Grandmother passed away. I thought about writing her a letter explaining that Grandmother was gone, but that I was living in her house now. Eventually I just decided to let it go in case she was off her rocker.
If you are looking for me in the entire month of December, I will be checking my mailbox constantly in hopes of receiving another letter from Jeriel. Fingers crossed! I will be sure to keep you all posted.
Grandmother passed away almost 3 years ago at Christmas time. She knew her time was ending and was so upset to be leaving us at Christmas. And so was I. Christmas, tradition, and Grandmother all went hand in hand. I worried Christmas would never be the same without her.
Fast forward two years later and we had moved into her house. I was hosting all of my family for Christmas and was bound and determined to recreate Grandmother's perfect Christmas traditions. I made her famous gingerbread men, wreath cookies, and nut nugget. I decorated the entire house and even made her fruit ice ring for our fruit punch. Everything was in place and ready!
And then the greatest most bizarre thing ever happened.
I went to check my mail and there was a Christmas card from Jeriel, letter and all. It was addressed to my grandmother and sent to my house. My first thought was pure joy because my Christmas celebration could once again consist of a letter from Jeriel. My second thought was oh my gosh she has either lost her mind of doesn't know Grandmother passed away. I thought about writing her a letter explaining that Grandmother was gone, but that I was living in her house now. Eventually I just decided to let it go in case she was off her rocker.
If you are looking for me in the entire month of December, I will be checking my mailbox constantly in hopes of receiving another letter from Jeriel. Fingers crossed! I will be sure to keep you all posted.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
It's a Grand Ole Night
Today is election day in the United States. It is one of my very favorite days. It is so incredible that we live in a country that allows us to have free and fair elections. It is something that we should not take lightly. Many people have died for the freedom of our country and I am so thankful!
This morning I pulled up to my voting precinct. This is the same location my great-grandparents attended church. They worked hard for this church and were very involved. My great-grandfather was a veteran and served our country proudly. My great-grandmother was a homemaker and kept the most beautiful garden. I had been missing them this week as it was because every Halloween at their house we were given a dollar bill, a blow pop, homemade cookies, and other special treats. Our country is great because of people like them. He didn't hesitate to fight for our country and she didn't hesitate to support him in that decision. I thought of them as I was going to cast my vote. I thought of their morals and values that consisted of hard work and an unwavering faith in God. They believed in every person doing their part and their best. With their generation mostly gone, I feel a responsibility to represent the wonderful things that they did. Voting for what I believe in is part of that responsibility.
The DAY I turned 18 I registered to vote. I was so excited to finally be able to and knew it was my duty. My favorite class in high school was American Government. I loved every aspect of it and had a wonderful teacher who taught us about our government without partisan preference. When I was in college working on a Broadcast Journalism degree, I loved election night. It was so exciting to keep up with the local elections at our school studio and courthouse. And when I had the opportunity to work at a major news network in NYC during a huge election summer, I loved the atmosphere. I know some people are apathetic, but I just don't understand it. I love the ins and outs of elections.
As a mom, I think elections are more important than ever. These elections help shape our children's future. I want my kids to be well informed American's with a strong knowledge of American History and current events. That is what our children today need!
I try to keep my political opinions to myself in order not to offend anyone, but I have decided part of being true to myself is believing in my opinions enough to share them no matter what others think. With that being said, I do not have to bash the other side or make negative comments. Many of my friends and I have a difference in political opinion. I respect them, just as I know they respect with me.
With that being said...It is a GRAND OLE NIGHT in Arkansas and I am just thrilled. I am still a little nervous about a couple of races/initiatives, but so far it's a good night here. See you in 2016!
This morning I pulled up to my voting precinct. This is the same location my great-grandparents attended church. They worked hard for this church and were very involved. My great-grandfather was a veteran and served our country proudly. My great-grandmother was a homemaker and kept the most beautiful garden. I had been missing them this week as it was because every Halloween at their house we were given a dollar bill, a blow pop, homemade cookies, and other special treats. Our country is great because of people like them. He didn't hesitate to fight for our country and she didn't hesitate to support him in that decision. I thought of them as I was going to cast my vote. I thought of their morals and values that consisted of hard work and an unwavering faith in God. They believed in every person doing their part and their best. With their generation mostly gone, I feel a responsibility to represent the wonderful things that they did. Voting for what I believe in is part of that responsibility.
The DAY I turned 18 I registered to vote. I was so excited to finally be able to and knew it was my duty. My favorite class in high school was American Government. I loved every aspect of it and had a wonderful teacher who taught us about our government without partisan preference. When I was in college working on a Broadcast Journalism degree, I loved election night. It was so exciting to keep up with the local elections at our school studio and courthouse. And when I had the opportunity to work at a major news network in NYC during a huge election summer, I loved the atmosphere. I know some people are apathetic, but I just don't understand it. I love the ins and outs of elections.
As a mom, I think elections are more important than ever. These elections help shape our children's future. I want my kids to be well informed American's with a strong knowledge of American History and current events. That is what our children today need!
I try to keep my political opinions to myself in order not to offend anyone, but I have decided part of being true to myself is believing in my opinions enough to share them no matter what others think. With that being said, I do not have to bash the other side or make negative comments. Many of my friends and I have a difference in political opinion. I respect them, just as I know they respect with me.
With that being said...It is a GRAND OLE NIGHT in Arkansas and I am just thrilled. I am still a little nervous about a couple of races/initiatives, but so far it's a good night here. See you in 2016!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Home Tour: Living Room
This summer, I was really wanting to spruce up my house a bit. I have a Christmas party at my house this year and nothing says "spruce up your house" like having a large event. In the south, if someone volunteers to host a party, shower, or social gathering of any type, they are essentially signing up for a home renovation. Ideally, I would like to take the carpet out of my house and trade it in for hardwood floors. Realistically, with two small children we decided we should probably wait. I decided I was going to have my carpet cleaned as my first step in preparing for my party. And I kind of took a few rooms apart preparing for this and put them back together. I decided now would be a great time to tour these rooms on my blog and explain my process...or lack thereof.
At the same time I was planning this spruce up, the sweet people from www.rugpadcorner.com asked me to review their products. I was given the rug pads in exchange for a review of my honest thoughts and opinions. I was in no way paid to do this.And I was tickled to get to do this. You know you are an adult when you are jumping for joy over rug pads and what they can do for your rooms.
So I decided to start in the living room. I have a nice rug in the living room, but wanted to make it seem a little thicker and more grand. I told Paola at Rug Pad Corner I also wanted a rug pad that could transition with me to hardwood floors in the future. BONUS! So I got my carpets cleaned and used my new rug as the base of my project.
I was immediately impressed at how nice and durable it was without being so thick someone (most likely me) could trip over it.
I also had my rug freshly cleaned and it fit perfectly over the rug pad and no one will ever even notice the rug pad is there. Unless they read my blog, of course. It just makes my rug seem thicker and positions it better.
I got my chairs and ottoman back into place along with the center table. I would like to have these chairs recovered, but just had them cleaned as well. I feel like I should wait until my kids are a little older and less messy. If a time like that ever exists?
One of the smartest decisions I made was to buy a leather couch. Messes just wipe off of it.
And here is a view from the back of the room. My favorite thing to decorate with is pictures of my family. I also use random pieces from here or there. I feel like this mini makeover worked wonders for my room!
If you want to add a little something to your room, I highly advise adding a rug pad from www.rugpadcorner.com. I did have a rug pad in one of my other rooms that I will reveal next week and it was no wear near the quality of my new rug pad corner pad. All Fanny Pack Mom readers can use the code REVIEW15 for 15% off of your purchase!
*I was not paid to review www.rugpadcorner.com. All opinions are my own.*
At the same time I was planning this spruce up, the sweet people from www.rugpadcorner.com asked me to review their products. I was given the rug pads in exchange for a review of my honest thoughts and opinions. I was in no way paid to do this.And I was tickled to get to do this. You know you are an adult when you are jumping for joy over rug pads and what they can do for your rooms.
So I decided to start in the living room. I have a nice rug in the living room, but wanted to make it seem a little thicker and more grand. I told Paola at Rug Pad Corner I also wanted a rug pad that could transition with me to hardwood floors in the future. BONUS! So I got my carpets cleaned and used my new rug as the base of my project.
I was immediately impressed at how nice and durable it was without being so thick someone (most likely me) could trip over it.
I also had my rug freshly cleaned and it fit perfectly over the rug pad and no one will ever even notice the rug pad is there. Unless they read my blog, of course. It just makes my rug seem thicker and positions it better.
I got my chairs and ottoman back into place along with the center table. I would like to have these chairs recovered, but just had them cleaned as well. I feel like I should wait until my kids are a little older and less messy. If a time like that ever exists?
One of the smartest decisions I made was to buy a leather couch. Messes just wipe off of it.
And here is a view from the back of the room. My favorite thing to decorate with is pictures of my family. I also use random pieces from here or there. I feel like this mini makeover worked wonders for my room!
If you want to add a little something to your room, I highly advise adding a rug pad from www.rugpadcorner.com. I did have a rug pad in one of my other rooms that I will reveal next week and it was no wear near the quality of my new rug pad corner pad. All Fanny Pack Mom readers can use the code REVIEW15 for 15% off of your purchase!
*I was not paid to review www.rugpadcorner.com. All opinions are my own.*
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Fanny Pack Fashions: Packing tips and tricks
Since we recently went on a trip and a lot of people travel during the holidays, I thought a post about packing could be helpful. I am absolutely not an expert, but try to be organized and know what works best with kids. My packing usually starts out like this before a trip:
And my unpacking ends like this after a trip:
Just keeping it real.
Tip #1 rolling suitcases: Invest in some large suitcases that roll on 4 wheels. Two large and one medium is the perfect formula for our family of 4 people. The four wheels make them so easy to get thru an airport. Especially with us because we take a double stroller. Now airlines charge for carry on bags, so we prefer to check bags.
Tip #2 personal bags: On airplanes you do get a personal bag (backpack, purse, etc.) so Kyle carried a backpack, I carried a large purse that zips to ensure nothing fell out, and we carried one backback for the boys.
Here is what we take in personal carry on bags:
-billfolds, money, IDs, tickets, any medications we would/could need throughout our trip, chapstick, phones, chargers, granola bars, a change of clothes for each person, laptop/ipad, magazines, gum and candy, Clorox wipes, hand wipes, a bottle of water I buy after security, and a jewelry case.
Tip #3 jewelry case: I carry a jewelry case because I think it is the safest way to go thru security with jewelry. Before I get out of the car, I put my jewelry up and then put it back on as soon as I am past security. It just makes me feel like I won't lose anything and am protecting my jewelry. I usually just take a few pieces that I wear the entire time so I don't have to risk anything being stolen out of my suitcase.
Tip #4 lists: I make a list of what all we will need in our carry on bags (listed above) and our large suitcases. I do my packing based on the lists. I also make a list that I stick to the door of things I need to remember to grab last minute such as my phone charger that I always use the night before we are leaving. On that list, I also remind myself to turn off the air/heat, set the alarm, etc.
Tip #5 laundry: After I have my list ready and before I start putting things in bags. I try to make sure all of our laundry is done and put in its place. It just makes packing easier. I also have my house picked up before I pack just to feel more organized. And I love to come home from a trip to a clean house.
Tip #6 bathroom bag: I have a bathroom bag that I keep packed year round with "doubles" of all of my bathroom supplies. The only exception to this is my hair dryer and flat iron because that would be a little pricey to keep two just for travel purposes. I also don't have doubles of my make up, but I keep my make up in a travel bag in a drawer for organization purposes, so I just grab it and go! If you don't have to pack a bathroom bag each time it saves a lot of time and ensures you don't forget any supplies because they are ready to go!
Tip #7 weigh bags: Once I have everything in the bags from my list, I weigh each of them and make sure they are distributed properly. This saves a lot of time and money at the airport if they are all within weight.
Tip #8 return home: I try to be organized on the return trip home. I put all the dirty clothes in one suitcase, so when I walk in I can drop that bag in the laundry room and start a load immediately. I put bathroom bags and shoes in one bag, and fold and organize all of the clean clothes into our last bag. Unpacking is not fun, but this method makes it faster and easier.
Tip #9 snacks: If we are traveling by car, I always have a bag of drinks and snacks. That way we don't have to constantly stop for little things. And it prevents breakdowns in the car over thirst or hunger.
Tip #10 entertainment: I mentioned carrying and Ipad, magazines, and computer in our personal bags and I always have those for entertainment. If on an airplane, I don't hesitate to spend $3 to buy my kids a movie on the plane. In the car I take all of our DVDs and put them in a multi CD case and let them take turns picking a movie to watch. Busy and entertained kids make for a happy traveling experience.
And the biggest tip of all is for crying out loud while on any trip carry a fanny pack. Or a cross body bag. I carry a cross body bag to try to be a little trendy. It will keep your money, phone, and personal items safe and easy to access. I wore one all around Disneyland /LA (see in the picture) and it was wonderful. Any bigger items we needed we kept under the stroller. This has been a fanny pack mom public service announcement.
And my unpacking ends like this after a trip:
Just keeping it real.
Tip #1 rolling suitcases: Invest in some large suitcases that roll on 4 wheels. Two large and one medium is the perfect formula for our family of 4 people. The four wheels make them so easy to get thru an airport. Especially with us because we take a double stroller. Now airlines charge for carry on bags, so we prefer to check bags.
Tip #2 personal bags: On airplanes you do get a personal bag (backpack, purse, etc.) so Kyle carried a backpack, I carried a large purse that zips to ensure nothing fell out, and we carried one backback for the boys.
 |
| The boys "personal" bag |
Here is what we take in personal carry on bags:
-billfolds, money, IDs, tickets, any medications we would/could need throughout our trip, chapstick, phones, chargers, granola bars, a change of clothes for each person, laptop/ipad, magazines, gum and candy, Clorox wipes, hand wipes, a bottle of water I buy after security, and a jewelry case.
Tip #3 jewelry case: I carry a jewelry case because I think it is the safest way to go thru security with jewelry. Before I get out of the car, I put my jewelry up and then put it back on as soon as I am past security. It just makes me feel like I won't lose anything and am protecting my jewelry. I usually just take a few pieces that I wear the entire time so I don't have to risk anything being stolen out of my suitcase.
Tip #4 lists: I make a list of what all we will need in our carry on bags (listed above) and our large suitcases. I do my packing based on the lists. I also make a list that I stick to the door of things I need to remember to grab last minute such as my phone charger that I always use the night before we are leaving. On that list, I also remind myself to turn off the air/heat, set the alarm, etc.
Tip #5 laundry: After I have my list ready and before I start putting things in bags. I try to make sure all of our laundry is done and put in its place. It just makes packing easier. I also have my house picked up before I pack just to feel more organized. And I love to come home from a trip to a clean house.
Tip #6 bathroom bag: I have a bathroom bag that I keep packed year round with "doubles" of all of my bathroom supplies. The only exception to this is my hair dryer and flat iron because that would be a little pricey to keep two just for travel purposes. I also don't have doubles of my make up, but I keep my make up in a travel bag in a drawer for organization purposes, so I just grab it and go! If you don't have to pack a bathroom bag each time it saves a lot of time and ensures you don't forget any supplies because they are ready to go!
Tip #7 weigh bags: Once I have everything in the bags from my list, I weigh each of them and make sure they are distributed properly. This saves a lot of time and money at the airport if they are all within weight.
Tip #8 return home: I try to be organized on the return trip home. I put all the dirty clothes in one suitcase, so when I walk in I can drop that bag in the laundry room and start a load immediately. I put bathroom bags and shoes in one bag, and fold and organize all of the clean clothes into our last bag. Unpacking is not fun, but this method makes it faster and easier.
Tip #9 snacks: If we are traveling by car, I always have a bag of drinks and snacks. That way we don't have to constantly stop for little things. And it prevents breakdowns in the car over thirst or hunger.
Tip #10 entertainment: I mentioned carrying and Ipad, magazines, and computer in our personal bags and I always have those for entertainment. If on an airplane, I don't hesitate to spend $3 to buy my kids a movie on the plane. In the car I take all of our DVDs and put them in a multi CD case and let them take turns picking a movie to watch. Busy and entertained kids make for a happy traveling experience.
And the biggest tip of all is for crying out loud while on any trip carry a fanny pack. Or a cross body bag. I carry a cross body bag to try to be a little trendy. It will keep your money, phone, and personal items safe and easy to access. I wore one all around Disneyland /LA (see in the picture) and it was wonderful. Any bigger items we needed we kept under the stroller. This has been a fanny pack mom public service announcement.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Friday Favorites: Cowboy Day
This has been an off week in our house since I have had strep throat. It has been especially hard because I couldn't just tough it out and go on with my normal activities because I was contagious and I didn't want anyone else to be sick. Luckily I have a wonderful support system of family and friends that made this week easier for me!
1. Favorite day:
Monday was cowboy day at Krews' school. He was sooo excited! I was so sad because it was the same day I was diagnosed with strep throat, but luckily Kyle was able to go. Kyle and Krews had a great time together! I also have wonderful friends who sent me pictures throughout the day, so I felt like I was there. My friend, Jessica, sent me this picture of her daughter Ella Kate with Krews and said they just might be high school sweethearts. Krews says he does not have a girlfriend, but he did not seem upset to take this picture!
2. Favorite cat:
I think I have mentioned my parents cat, Kitty Floyd, before. He is absolutely crazy. My mom put her Christmas tree up this week and Kitty Floyd LOVES to sit in the Christmas tree. It is really hilarious. If you walk in you will see her tree moving and then realize it's just the cat.
This summer the boys tried to take Kitty Floyd home with us. They did manage to get him in the car but he went nuts and I let him out of the back. And then I sneezed the entire way home.
3. Favorite weather:
It is finally starting to cool off which I love! Cooler weather means Thanksgiving, Christmas, and hopefully snow! I am hoping to start feeling better so I can get some Christmas decorations up this weekend!
4. Favorite show:
I have been on a Grey's Anatomy kick while I have been sick. I have watched from the beginning, but forgot a lot of the details since it has been on TV over 10 years! I have enjoyed it. It is hard watching the new season without Christina though.
5. Favorite #TBT:
I posted this picture to my instagram for throw back Thursday. This is Kyle and I 13 years ago at Christmas time at my grandparents house, which is now our house! I love that we have a picture of us from then in our house now. So neat! And yes, we look like babies!
For more Friday Favorites check out Erika, Andrea, and Narci for the link up!
1. Favorite day:
Monday was cowboy day at Krews' school. He was sooo excited! I was so sad because it was the same day I was diagnosed with strep throat, but luckily Kyle was able to go. Kyle and Krews had a great time together! I also have wonderful friends who sent me pictures throughout the day, so I felt like I was there. My friend, Jessica, sent me this picture of her daughter Ella Kate with Krews and said they just might be high school sweethearts. Krews says he does not have a girlfriend, but he did not seem upset to take this picture!
2. Favorite cat:
I think I have mentioned my parents cat, Kitty Floyd, before. He is absolutely crazy. My mom put her Christmas tree up this week and Kitty Floyd LOVES to sit in the Christmas tree. It is really hilarious. If you walk in you will see her tree moving and then realize it's just the cat.
This summer the boys tried to take Kitty Floyd home with us. They did manage to get him in the car but he went nuts and I let him out of the back. And then I sneezed the entire way home.
3. Favorite weather:
It is finally starting to cool off which I love! Cooler weather means Thanksgiving, Christmas, and hopefully snow! I am hoping to start feeling better so I can get some Christmas decorations up this weekend!
4. Favorite show:
I have been on a Grey's Anatomy kick while I have been sick. I have watched from the beginning, but forgot a lot of the details since it has been on TV over 10 years! I have enjoyed it. It is hard watching the new season without Christina though.
5. Favorite #TBT:
I posted this picture to my instagram for throw back Thursday. This is Kyle and I 13 years ago at Christmas time at my grandparents house, which is now our house! I love that we have a picture of us from then in our house now. So neat! And yes, we look like babies!
For more Friday Favorites check out Erika, Andrea, and Narci for the link up!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Man Purse Uncle Meets the Paparazzi
I know it might sound shocking that Fanny Pack Mom would have a Man Purse Uncle, but it is true. He just recently became a MPU on our trip to California. He was very proud of it as well. He carried that bag everywhere, including the beach.
I have mentioned in previous posts that Randy is crazy and will do and say anything. At my brother's college graduation, he yelled "Way to go Blood Killa." At my high school graduation he yelled, "What a woman." At Disney he yelled, "We're all gonna die." The list goes on and on. And I should probably add my brother is not in a gang, Blood Killa apparently came about from a hunting trip.
On Saturday Lu Anne, Maddie, and I decided to go into West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to eat, shop, and look at houses. We had a wonderful lunch at The Ivy, a famous and adorable restaurant that looks more like a tea room. This was my second time there and it is so fun to people watch! We shopped and had cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes.
We decided to start driving around to look at houses because what nosey southern girl doesn't like to study other people's houses? We drove into Bel Air and were thoroughly disappointed at how many people had large retaining walls/gates so we couldn't see in. It's like they all enjoy their privacy or something. Crazy, right?
So after driving in the hills, we got lost in more hills. And then I lost it and was so car sick. I was just trying to keep from throwing up in the rented mini van. Maddie was driving and I was supposed to be the personal GPS, but I just quit and left Maddie to deal with it. Bless her heart, she finally got us out of there and then as I was starting to come around a little bit my phone rang. Kyle was asking if we could hurry up and get back. Man Purse Uncle decided to give surfing a try in 10 foot waves and crashed. As in crashed into the sand.
We were heading back and Randy calledLu Anne saying he wanted to go to an urgent care clinic because his face was bleeding and he thought he had broken ribs. He ended up having an inflamed chest wall (or as his younger son Josh joked---bruising.) However, one whole side of his face was truly red and swollen. I mean it had to hurt.
That night we went to The Cheesecake Factory, where I got food poisoning. This is devastating because 1. I was sick 2. This happens to me often on trips 3. I cannot eat there again and I loved it so much. The next day I was better, but still not 100%. Lu and her kids left to get back to school, while we stayed for meetings. By we I mean Kyle and Randy. I will tell about my time with the boys later.
Kyle and Randy decided to go to a Lakers game after taking them to the airport. I decided to stay in the hotel with the boys since I still wasn't fully well. Kyle and Randy went to dinner and Kyle said the people next to them stared the whole time. Finally Randy went to the bathroom and they leaned over and asked Kyle "Is that man a paparazzi?"
Kyle responded with noooo and what would make you think that?
The man purse.
The man purse made these people think he was a paparazzi. I'm sure his battered face also made him look like a possible paparazzi who had been hit by a celebrity. The moral to this story is don't carry a man purse in LA. The people will swarm you with attention.
Kyle and Randy then headed to the Lakers game, where Randy was almost ran over by a car. Traffic stops for no man. Not even a member of the paparazzi.
I have mentioned in previous posts that Randy is crazy and will do and say anything. At my brother's college graduation, he yelled "Way to go Blood Killa." At my high school graduation he yelled, "What a woman." At Disney he yelled, "We're all gonna die." The list goes on and on. And I should probably add my brother is not in a gang, Blood Killa apparently came about from a hunting trip.
On Saturday Lu Anne, Maddie, and I decided to go into West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to eat, shop, and look at houses. We had a wonderful lunch at The Ivy, a famous and adorable restaurant that looks more like a tea room. This was my second time there and it is so fun to people watch! We shopped and had cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes.
 |
| YUM!
|
So after driving in the hills, we got lost in more hills. And then I lost it and was so car sick. I was just trying to keep from throwing up in the rented mini van. Maddie was driving and I was supposed to be the personal GPS, but I just quit and left Maddie to deal with it. Bless her heart, she finally got us out of there and then as I was starting to come around a little bit my phone rang. Kyle was asking if we could hurry up and get back. Man Purse Uncle decided to give surfing a try in 10 foot waves and crashed. As in crashed into the sand.
We were heading back and Randy calledLu Anne saying he wanted to go to an urgent care clinic because his face was bleeding and he thought he had broken ribs. He ended up having an inflamed chest wall (or as his younger son Josh joked---bruising.) However, one whole side of his face was truly red and swollen. I mean it had to hurt.
That night we went to The Cheesecake Factory, where I got food poisoning. This is devastating because 1. I was sick 2. This happens to me often on trips 3. I cannot eat there again and I loved it so much. The next day I was better, but still not 100%. Lu and her kids left to get back to school, while we stayed for meetings. By we I mean Kyle and Randy. I will tell about my time with the boys later.
Kyle and Randy decided to go to a Lakers game after taking them to the airport. I decided to stay in the hotel with the boys since I still wasn't fully well. Kyle and Randy went to dinner and Kyle said the people next to them stared the whole time. Finally Randy went to the bathroom and they leaned over and asked Kyle "Is that man a paparazzi?"
Kyle responded with noooo and what would make you think that?
The man purse.
The man purse made these people think he was a paparazzi. I'm sure his battered face also made him look like a possible paparazzi who had been hit by a celebrity. The moral to this story is don't carry a man purse in LA. The people will swarm you with attention.
Kyle and Randy then headed to the Lakers game, where Randy was almost ran over by a car. Traffic stops for no man. Not even a member of the paparazzi.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
FPM: Campaign Manager 2016
Monday night I was watching Dancing with the Stars (#teamalfonso and #teamsadie) and I always feel so stressed out for the people left in jeopardy and one eventually being sent home. And I felt a little in jeopardy myself as:
A. I was laying in bed battling strep throat. I felt a little crummy all weekend and thought I was coming down with a sinus infection just like I do every Fall. My doctors office was booked up so I ran by an urgent care clinic only to learn I had strep throat! I forgot how bad you feel with strep throat. I haven't had it in years. I almost feel like I did when I had mono in 8th grade. Exhausted!
B. GNATS. GNATS. GNATS. They are attacking everyday. I took out 10 with my homemade dawn/vinegar trap in the last 24 hours. Gross!
C. I am SOOO disgusted by Mama June on Honey Boo Boo. First of all, shame on TLC for ever giving these people a TV show. It was never funny to see how these people were living it was sad. And now the fact that this so called Mama is dating a child molester who did terrible, disgusting things with her child years ago??? Disturbing. So disturbing. And she has her younger daughter around him now, bought him a car, and lied about it. This is inexcusable. I can only pray the good that will come from these people being on TV is that there will be enough media attention to get these innocent kids some help or the cycle will just repeat itself.
D. Political ads. Need I say more? I just want to ask all of the politicians to save their millions of dollars in advertising because it is 110% ineffective. If anything it upsets people seeing the constant awful advertising. When I worked at Fox News, every single person no matter political belief LOVED Govenor Huckabee. And it's not because he talked politics and shoved his opinions down everyone's throat. It's because he was always happy, pleasant, easy to deal with, and KNEW everyone by name. And I believe this is a nonpartisan issue. JFK won his presidency because of his incredible ability to seem comfortable and relatable on TV. People who watched the debate on TV called JFK the winner, while radio listeners who didn't SEE JKF in action called Nixon the winner. Appearance and approach is everything. People believe what they can see without having to hear it to be convinced. There is a lost art in campaigning. Donate the money to charity. Be more involved in communities and personable. And be passionate! Believe in what you are running for! That is what people respond to!!!
Fanny Pack Mom is officially available to run political campaigns in 2016.
No matter what issues I have with sickness, gnats, and annoying campaigns.... Every day I wake up knowing I serve a God who loves me and claims me as His child. I also wake up to a wonderful husband and sweet boys. I am blessed beyond measure!
A. I was laying in bed battling strep throat. I felt a little crummy all weekend and thought I was coming down with a sinus infection just like I do every Fall. My doctors office was booked up so I ran by an urgent care clinic only to learn I had strep throat! I forgot how bad you feel with strep throat. I haven't had it in years. I almost feel like I did when I had mono in 8th grade. Exhausted!
B. GNATS. GNATS. GNATS. They are attacking everyday. I took out 10 with my homemade dawn/vinegar trap in the last 24 hours. Gross!
C. I am SOOO disgusted by Mama June on Honey Boo Boo. First of all, shame on TLC for ever giving these people a TV show. It was never funny to see how these people were living it was sad. And now the fact that this so called Mama is dating a child molester who did terrible, disgusting things with her child years ago??? Disturbing. So disturbing. And she has her younger daughter around him now, bought him a car, and lied about it. This is inexcusable. I can only pray the good that will come from these people being on TV is that there will be enough media attention to get these innocent kids some help or the cycle will just repeat itself.
D. Political ads. Need I say more? I just want to ask all of the politicians to save their millions of dollars in advertising because it is 110% ineffective. If anything it upsets people seeing the constant awful advertising. When I worked at Fox News, every single person no matter political belief LOVED Govenor Huckabee. And it's not because he talked politics and shoved his opinions down everyone's throat. It's because he was always happy, pleasant, easy to deal with, and KNEW everyone by name. And I believe this is a nonpartisan issue. JFK won his presidency because of his incredible ability to seem comfortable and relatable on TV. People who watched the debate on TV called JFK the winner, while radio listeners who didn't SEE JKF in action called Nixon the winner. Appearance and approach is everything. People believe what they can see without having to hear it to be convinced. There is a lost art in campaigning. Donate the money to charity. Be more involved in communities and personable. And be passionate! Believe in what you are running for! That is what people respond to!!!
Fanny Pack Mom is officially available to run political campaigns in 2016.
No matter what issues I have with sickness, gnats, and annoying campaigns.... Every day I wake up knowing I serve a God who loves me and claims me as His child. I also wake up to a wonderful husband and sweet boys. I am blessed beyond measure!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Disneyland Day
When planning this trip, I was most excited about our time we were planning at Disneyland. We had been toying with the whole "Disney trip" for awhile. I wanted to see the boys experience the magic at young, sweet ages...Kyle wanted to wait for them to be older and able to remember it. Disneyland during our Cali trip was the perfect solution! We decided Friday would be the best day to go to avoid weekend crowds.
I was so excited because the Halloween decorations were incredible!
When we arrived we were met by Donald Duck!
My uncle...THE ONE WHO MAKES AWKWARD COMMENTS...yelled "Chip and Dale Rock" to Donald and Donald wasn't having it.
Not to offend Donald, but next we went to meet Chip and Dale around the corner. I was so excited because I remember watching the Full House goes to Disney episode where Chip and Dale stole the food from Becky and Jesse. I thought it was hilarious. LAME, I know.
Kole was a litttttle nervous, so we went to ride some rides! I took my kids to ride the carrousel, Snow White, and Pinocchio. The rest of the crew went to Space Mountain. They are original, vintage Disney kid rides. I'm not going to lie...Snow White and Pinocchio were a little dark and scary. I loved all of the artwork inside the rides and the special time with my boys!
We all met up at Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster, which was one of my favorites! We love Toy Story at our house and the ride and animation was just so cool.
And then we met Peter Pan! Peter was spunky, energetic, and entertaining!
Next, we all rode Pirates of the Caribbean. It was so realistic! I was a little nervous because there were two "drops" in the dark on this ride and cray cray uncle yelled "WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE," but the boys made it just fine. We were starving by this point and ate at Café Orleans. Krews decided at this point he was 12 and would be riding roller coasters. Ihad and anxiety attack send him with the group on Splash Mountain, while Kole and I enjoyed cotton candy like normal people. Krews LOVED it!
We then got to experience one of my favorite rides with my favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. It was so classic, happy, and perfect. Even the heffalumps were happy seeming.
The group then went to Thunder Mountain, while Kole and I went to Toon Town! I loved my special time with my boy. I'm so thankful he was in amazement by toon town just as I envisioned. He was so proud to meet Goofy all by himself!
We spent the next hour waiting to meet Captain America. This was so worth it though, because he is Krews and Kole's HERO. He was great to the boys...made them feel like he was the real deal and asked them so many questions. They were amazed.
They also got to "morph" into Iron Man and see all of his suits!
Have I ever mentioned how funny I think Iron Man is with his dry sense of humor?
We ended the day waiting for Peter Pan's Flight. It was so worth it.
I was sad to leave, but so thankful for the memories and to experience it with family! I was so glad to experience Disneyland. I loved being there and knowing it was the original park. The rides were reflective of the Disney classics and all had a vintage feel that I loved. It was the perfect experience for my 3 and 5 year old. When my kids are older, Disney World will probably be a better fit. I will absolutely go back to Disneyland if I have the opportunity and would also like to try Disney California Adventure. Who knows what opportunities the future holds!
I was so excited because the Halloween decorations were incredible!
When we arrived we were met by Donald Duck!
My uncle...THE ONE WHO MAKES AWKWARD COMMENTS...yelled "Chip and Dale Rock" to Donald and Donald wasn't having it.
Not to offend Donald, but next we went to meet Chip and Dale around the corner. I was so excited because I remember watching the Full House goes to Disney episode where Chip and Dale stole the food from Becky and Jesse. I thought it was hilarious. LAME, I know.
Kole was a litttttle nervous, so we went to ride some rides! I took my kids to ride the carrousel, Snow White, and Pinocchio. The rest of the crew went to Space Mountain. They are original, vintage Disney kid rides. I'm not going to lie...Snow White and Pinocchio were a little dark and scary. I loved all of the artwork inside the rides and the special time with my boys!
We all met up at Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster, which was one of my favorites! We love Toy Story at our house and the ride and animation was just so cool.
And then we met Peter Pan! Peter was spunky, energetic, and entertaining!
Next, we all rode Pirates of the Caribbean. It was so realistic! I was a little nervous because there were two "drops" in the dark on this ride and cray cray uncle yelled "WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE," but the boys made it just fine. We were starving by this point and ate at Café Orleans. Krews decided at this point he was 12 and would be riding roller coasters. I
We then got to experience one of my favorite rides with my favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. It was so classic, happy, and perfect. Even the heffalumps were happy seeming.
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| It was hard to get a picture of that silly ole bear |
The group then went to Thunder Mountain, while Kole and I went to Toon Town! I loved my special time with my boy. I'm so thankful he was in amazement by toon town just as I envisioned. He was so proud to meet Goofy all by himself!
We spent the next hour waiting to meet Captain America. This was so worth it though, because he is Krews and Kole's HERO. He was great to the boys...made them feel like he was the real deal and asked them so many questions. They were amazed.
They also got to "morph" into Iron Man and see all of his suits!
Have I ever mentioned how funny I think Iron Man is with his dry sense of humor?
We ended the day waiting for Peter Pan's Flight. It was so worth it.
I was sad to leave, but so thankful for the memories and to experience it with family! I was so glad to experience Disneyland. I loved being there and knowing it was the original park. The rides were reflective of the Disney classics and all had a vintage feel that I loved. It was the perfect experience for my 3 and 5 year old. When my kids are older, Disney World will probably be a better fit. I will absolutely go back to Disneyland if I have the opportunity and would also like to try Disney California Adventure. Who knows what opportunities the future holds!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
California here we come
Last Thursday morning Kyle and I woke our excited boys up to head to California! We met my Aunt Lu Anne, Uncle Randy, and cousins Maddie, Jake, and Josh. I was excited/ a nervous wreck because all that was flashing on the news was "EBOLA." And how a lady had just gotten of off a Frontier Airline flight with EBOLA. Of course we were flying on Frontier Airlines. Of course. No fear though...I am a Fanny Pack Mom after all and was prepared.
Ebola fears were not going to ruin my trip. However, Clorox wipes did give me peace of mind.
I posted this picture of one of my cousins, who we met in Denver, along with my boys. In the caption I wrote, "Well we hopped of the plane at LAX with a dream and a cardigan...Or two kids and Jake. Either way I hope a Britney song will be on at some point. #partyintheusa"
My cousin, Maddie, was quick to tell me she had no idea what that IG post was supposed to mean and thought I was crazy until she figured out it was Miley....back when she was "just bein' Mileyyy."
Maddie---I hope you picked up on the second song reference. And the song reference in the title of this post.
Anyway! Back to the trip, we were so excited to arrive at our amazing boutique hotel, Beach House at Hermosa Beach.
It was adorable and the room was so nice and comfortable. It was more like an apartment. We even had Miley...I mean Maddie...come stay in our living room so she could get away from sharing a room from her family which includes two brothers and a dad who makes awkward comments. Just sayin' we saved the girl.
After a quick In-and-Out burger lunch and a quick trip to Target we headed to the beach. We went to Target because I forgot my swimsuit...On a trip to Cali. Oh well, I got a cute new swimsuit out of the deal for a great price.
Krews is a BEACH BOY! He absolutely loves it and will stay on the beach all day. He plays in the waves and giggles the entire time! Kole loves it too. He is weary of the water unless being held, but love to run around and play in the sand.
Miley Maddie (ok, last one I will stop) was so sweet to play with Krews and keep him safe in the water. Josh and Jake played with the boys too! They even dug holes where they could "stand" and get buried with sand.
Kole took his turn and had Josh block the sun out of his eyes.
This is about how deep I went in because it was COOOOLLLDDDD!
I love these sweet little boy footprints in the sand.
This is how we spent our days Thursday and Sunday. I have a recap of Friday's Disneyland trip, Saturday's adventure of Man Purse Uncle, and Monday and Tuesday's solo days with Krews and Kole so stay tuned this week for more!
Ebola fears were not going to ruin my trip. However, Clorox wipes did give me peace of mind.
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| College girls, Jake is available. If you would like to be related to FPM email me a headshot and bio. |
I posted this picture of one of my cousins, who we met in Denver, along with my boys. In the caption I wrote, "Well we hopped of the plane at LAX with a dream and a cardigan...Or two kids and Jake. Either way I hope a Britney song will be on at some point. #partyintheusa"
My cousin, Maddie, was quick to tell me she had no idea what that IG post was supposed to mean and thought I was crazy until she figured out it was Miley....back when she was "just bein' Mileyyy."
Maddie---I hope you picked up on the second song reference. And the song reference in the title of this post.
Anyway! Back to the trip, we were so excited to arrive at our amazing boutique hotel, Beach House at Hermosa Beach.
It was adorable and the room was so nice and comfortable. It was more like an apartment. We even had Miley...I mean Maddie...come stay in our living room so she could get away from sharing a room from her family which includes two brothers and a dad who makes awkward comments. Just sayin' we saved the girl.
After a quick In-and-Out burger lunch and a quick trip to Target we headed to the beach. We went to Target because I forgot my swimsuit...On a trip to Cali. Oh well, I got a cute new swimsuit out of the deal for a great price.
Krews is a BEACH BOY! He absolutely loves it and will stay on the beach all day. He plays in the waves and giggles the entire time! Kole loves it too. He is weary of the water unless being held, but love to run around and play in the sand.
Kole took his turn and had Josh block the sun out of his eyes.
This is about how deep I went in because it was COOOOLLLDDDD!
I love these sweet little boy footprints in the sand.
This is how we spent our days Thursday and Sunday. I have a recap of Friday's Disneyland trip, Saturday's adventure of Man Purse Uncle, and Monday and Tuesday's solo days with Krews and Kole so stay tuned this week for more!
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