Unplanned expenses?

Hello all! I have been continuosly working on my yard sale. Pricing and gathering items. Ive got a nice pile ready and more to come- people are giving things to me to sell! awesome! So yesterday when I arrived home from work there was a package by the door. woohoo Christmas! It was the couch covers that I had ordered and anxiously been awaiting for. They were pricey - $100, but I knew that it would be hard to find them at a thrift store or a yard sale. Plus I got them in a fabulous denim material. I spent about 20 minutes tugging and tying until they fit just right. They look 100x better than the 9 year old stained green couch and loveseat! I also hung some picturees and put out some decorative items that I had been wanting to put out, but was afraid to b/c of the green monsters!

So even though my couch covers were a indulgent expense, it seems as if I have been running into quite a few "extra expenses" lately. Unplanned expenses such as medical bills and prescriptions. Also yesterday I shelled out $50 for a allergen reducer air purifier thingy. Also I spent close to $50 bucks on food for our cookout this past Saturday. So what are you unplanned expenses? new tires? medical supplies? mechanic fees?

I remembered a conversation from Sunday night between the 3 of us. One that seems to always come about during dinnertime. Aaden is not a picky eater, but would rather be doing other things than sitting at the table. Often times he spends most of dinner time talking, and trying to get out of eating his dinner. We fuss and insist he eat all of his plate (dont worry his plate is portioned just right for him) Often times he ends up sitting at the table for 45 minutes playing, while we beg him to eat. So on Sunday we heard:
Aaden- I dont wanna eat all of these
Devin- Aaden, just eat
Aaden- How about I just eat it all,
Then in a quieter voice I heard
Aaden- So you all dont have to keep bothering me.

I almost fell off my chair. It was like somebody turned a switch on! He did finish his dinner without another word!

Ants in your pants

Please! What does it take to feel better! Yes I am still battling this awful sinus infection, as well as swelling on my body. My eye on Friday, and now this morning two big round patches on each hip. Crazy eh? Anywho Im trying to think of ways to get rid of pesky ants. They are currently living somewhere around the kitchen window and countertop. Ive sprayed, cleaned, dusted, and tore out pieces of the window, but no relief yet. Im a clean freak-therefore my house aint dirty (Just wanted to clear that up) I never leave dishes inthe sink, clean or dirty. Never go more than 2 or 3 days without mopping the floors. Probably 2 days on vacuuming. Counters get wiped down 15498319 times a day. Same for the stove. I clean out cabinets often, no food ever goes in without being sealed to the point of frustration. I have more bottles of bleach water than you could shake a stick at. So whats left? Am I forgetting to clean something?
Ive told Devin 135345 times about the issue. Not to sound like a witch, but he only knows its a problem when I complain about it. He doesnt spend extra time cleaning and spraying the lil pests. Ive let it be known today....If the problem persists....We will be having ants for dinner...

Plans

So lately ive had a lot of crafty things come to mind that I would like to try. Im not really crafty per se, but i have a lot of ideas.

1. A "quilt" for our barn.- Its not essentially a quilt, but really a plywood painting of pretty colors in the shape and design of a quilt.
2. Cakes- Ive gotten a few cake decorating tools- my mom has also showed some interest in this.
3. Sewing some new throw pillows for the couch in the living room. Perhaps couch and loveseat covers?

The problem is I rarel yhave time to get any of the above done, including gathering all the supplies that I need. On top of all that I am trying to...
1. Have a yard sale
2. Plan fun a exciting camping trip
3. control my outta control garden
4. freeze a bunch of things that come out of the garden

Yep sounds like im going to have a busy weekend!
Im excited for the 4th of July Parade in my hometown, Ive been attending/participating since I can remember. Im exciteed for Aaden to get to go this year. i really want him to witness it as a spectator, but Ive already gotten some requests that he ride various floats?? O well I guess I wil let him decide. Everyone have a happy and safe holiday!

Today Today

Today Im feeling a lot better i awoke with a normal lip - no swelling at all. I was told that i have angioedema. Of course i googled it and it said something along the lines of sporatic sweeling throughout the body. This usually means that something is wrong with your body. Duh. So i had some blood work ran and should have the results back tomorrow when i go back to the dr.
Anywho, Is there a full moon tonight? Really, seriously people in my office and surrounding areas are crazy today! Before 7 am there were a few choice words between employees that i would have rather not have heard. People are somewhat lazy also. "Could you just run to walmart real quick and buy a cheap DVD player?" "When you get back I have some things that need to be faxed." UGH! As if I didnt have enough to do...these beckonings werent even from my higer up...O well im pretty much at the bottom of the totem pole around here...I guess I have no choice!
Needless to say Im ready to go home and relax.

I can see the light!

Welp the good news is im feeling alot better, the bad news is im probably gonna be heading out to the dr. here in a few minutes when they open. I ruled my sickness to be a sinus infection, however, before and after i have been expereincing some strange sweelings throughout my body; my fingers, feet, my lower part of my bottom, as well as my tongue and now for the second time my lip. This is just crazy to me! I dont know what can explain it but its pretty embarrasing today to walk around with a fat lip! People probably think im loony tunes! In the meantime i will sit here and plan out a few things for the week. Im somewhat inexperienced in the kitchen until recently. My boyfriend has even bragged on me that Im a great cook and it seems to come easy to me. He must really be sucking up! j/k! I want to try a couple of things this week if i can find the time between regular cooking, cleaning, and rummaging through our junk for the yard sale!
Heres a few things i wanna try:
1. Ranger cookies- Devin got them at Kroger one time (totally an impulse buy) he was delighted so i found the recipe and got the ingredients and have been promising to make them.
2. Coconut Cream Pie- My moms birthday is tommorow and i would really like to make something special for her.
3. Peanut Butter Pie- Devin and I went to Tumbleweed and saw it on the menu. It made me want some real bad!!!

Also I thik i forgot to mention my freezer ideas! I have seen on many other blogs about people freezing food and dinners ahead of time, and since I work during the day and come home to 2 starving people, this could be a lucrative idea! So last week I spent two days cooking and baking and came out with:
2 lasagnas
2 pot pies
4 lbs. hamburger browned (for hamburger helper or pasta bake, or homemade pizza or tacos)
4 lbs. cooked chicken cut up into cubes (for alfredo, tacos, chicken salad, or casseroles)
Breakfast burritos (Devin likes these and finally got to try one on Saturday- he approved)
French toast- Aaden gets up really early on some weekends and instead of cereal all the time its easy to re heat french toast, which happens to be a fav. for him!

I wish I could have made more, but time was not on my side- plus the sickly feeling came on the next day.

Yucky day

I am ill today and have been for the past 3 days. I can almost rule out strep throat, due to my tonsils being removed some time ago. Im curious still b/c my throat has been burning, raw! Nothing seems to soothe it, including salt water. Ive had a fever until it finally broke last nite leaving me in a soaked bed. Ew!

Overally im feeling much better and am able to work so im thankful for that! To continue my efforts in progressing thru this yuckiness I am going to write about my hunny and why I love him so!
1. He cooks for me (all of us really) when I am sick! (althoug I dont dare let him do the dishes)
2. He can fix anything! Having a mechanic background is a blessing! Cars, tv stuff, little cheap knick knack toys that arent even worth it too!
3. If I really wanna watch something on tv it doesnt take much convincing him.
4. He is an awesome daddy!
5. He pumps my gas, even when its raining!
6. Hes always up for doing anything; road trips, fishing, etc.
7. He can dance!
8. he listens when i tell him that he doesnt match!
9. he tells me i look good.
10. he always says thank you for cooking for him, whether its a sandwich or whatever!
11.

Daybook

Daybook Entry
Outside my window... Hmm, Im at work holed up in an office without a window :( At home I would probably be lurking out at my growing garden!
I am thinking... That I had an awesome weekend with my family!
I am thankful for... Being so blessed with a great family, this job, friends, food- Everything!
From the kitchen...I really need to start menu planning, tonight will probably be chicken alfredo.
I am wearing... green shirt and black dress pants. I really need to update my wardrobe....yard sales?
I am creating...lots of new ideas for projects on my new sewing machine!
I am going...home today to finish hanging my new curtains!
I am reading...Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper.
I am hoping...That Aaden feels better today he has been coughing and complaining of a stomach ache!
I am hearing...The Director of Manufacturing across the hall talking, and the technical manager whistling profusely! erg!
Around the house...Bare windows, Crumbs on the floor, towels in the bathroom. Freshly made beds (a new rule in our house,) folded laundry waiting to be put away, and 2 giant boxes full of stuff for my yard sale.
One of my favorite things...Going home to a clean house and it staying that way for at least 8 hours!
A few plans for the rest of the week...Today and tomorrow, cleaning preparing for the rest of week (meals, laundry, bills), Wednesday and Thursday- playing with Aaden, grocery, Friday-who knows, Saturday-wedding, Sunday-Who knows!
I am sharing...My thoughts like this for the first time!

Road Trip!

Go ahead call me lazy. I'm really trying to make a good habit of blogging more often, I promise.
This weekend was awesome! Tractor Pull! Holiday World! Fathers Day!

Friday night we decided to go to the county fair. It was nice out and the boy really wanted to ride the rides. I think when it was done we had rode everything twice. We really wanted to watch the tractor pull, but Aaden was really wanting to ride so I took him up there once again. We came back down and of course he found "Uncle Hank," who isn't his uncle, or even related, but still the same he took Aaden up the hill and spent who knows how much on those piddly games that we agreed not to waste our money on. At the end of the night he came back down tired and arms full of stuffed animals!

We had been planning for a while to go to Holiday World, I checked the website and we got some coupons for $5 off. It was very hot and sunny out, but luckily they provided unlimited drinks for free, as well as free sunscreen. Their water park was quite impressive, and we also spent most of our time there. We ended up leaving the park at 7:30 that night and made the hour and half drive back to home sweet home. This morning on the news I learned that about 40 people were rushed to the hospital with breathing difficulties and skin irritation. The officials at holiday world stated that a pump had faulted, resulting in a release of chlorine and other chemicals around 6:30pm I began to panic that maybe we had been affected by this. We had none of the symptoms, however we were in that specific pool around that time. I figure that we had just gotten out when this occured. Shew!

Fathers day was spent at home, I was cleaning and preparing to put up my new curtains. Devin and Aaden were working on the digital antennae. We rode to town to make a few stops at Lowe's, Walmart, and the Flea Market. It was a wonderful weekend!

SHOO! It has certainly been awhile! I have been stressed and having family goings-on. BUT Im back! Got a full weekend ahead and I hope that it doesnt prohibit me from writing on Monday.
Saturday we are planning to rise at the crack of down, get loaded up, and make our way to HOLIDAY WORLD!!! Im really excited, I havent been there since I was a kid and from what I remember it seemed to be a rather family-oriented, clean, safe park to visit.
Since I will not be at work tomorrow(Ill be shopping and then dropping) Im gonna do my flashback Friday today!

FLASH BACK FRIDAY (on Thursday)

Who's the Boss!

I used to love this show. I probably didnt realize how funny it was at the time, but after watching it on Nick at Nite recently, I realized that it had some pretty good humor, as well as innuendo. Im probably not the only one that wished and hoped for Tony and Angela would end up together!

FBF Blast From the Past!

Flash Back Friday - YES, I know its Thursday

But on Friday, I probably wont be anywhere near a computer for most of the day, since I will be visiting the zoo on a field trip with Aaden.

What is Flash Back Friday? Oh, thats right I just made it up. tee hee. Often people think back to their past and have a memory of something that warms their heart. After a long and stressful week its nice to think back on something that once gave you a lot of smiles.

Mama's Family

I can remember seeing this as a kid, mostly syndicated I presume. The show featured Thelma (Mama), Vinton, Naomi, Buzz & Sonja (only the first few seasons) Iola, Bubba(the latter episodes) and occasionally Eunice, Ed, Aunt Fran, and Ellen.

Mama was always knockin her family, because, well they werent the brightest bunch. In the end they always came together and showd each other love. Heres a link for more on Mama's Family.http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mama

Another blast from the past (okay chill out Im only 23 people.)

That's right, Clear Pepsi, actually I see that its called Crystal Pepsi, but I remeber is as Clear Pepsi, whatever. It tastes just like the regular stuff, but only its clear! How exciting! No, not really just another ploy to get people to buy Pepsi. I think this one was geared towards the younger generations, because of course I thought Clear Pepsi was the poo.

WFMW Yard Sales!

YARD SALES!
They totally rock, in fact my friend got 90% of her daughters newborn and infant clothes at yeard sales. An entire wardrobe for next to nothing compared to most stores. Not only were they cheap, but in good condition! No stains or rips. A lot of the clothes were even name brand, which is always a plus!

Last Saturday Aaden and I stopped at one that had a whole bunch of VHS movies. People are obviously moving into the DVD and even the BLU RAY stage. We still have the VHS/DVD combo unit and the boy loves to watch classic Disney movies at night before bed. Recently weve been telling him about the Wizard of Oz. He really wanted to see it. We searched everywhere for it. While vacationing in Gatlinburg we found it on VHS for $12, which was comparatively cheap according to lots of people, we also learned that they always went fast! So while digging and searching at the yard sale I ran across not only the Wizard of Oz, but also another classic, Mary Poppins! Both at a nifty price of $1 each! I couldnt believe it! I was rather proud of my bargain!

Puppy!

We decided to go to the flea market on Sunday, as opposed to lounging all day being lazy. The boy got his share of junk toys from both me and Devin, hes rotton I tell ya. Then we began to ponder upon a hermit crab booth. YUCK! They smelled really bad. At the point of " Can I hold one?" I immediately grabbed the hand sanitizer and gripped it ever so tightly in my hand, ready at any moment to douse the poor kid! After back and forth decisions on the $18 hermit crab, with complete set up kit. We decided no. (whew!) On down I saw the most beautiful lil creature ever! A puppy! Not just any puppy a blue heeler/beagle mix! He was precious! He barked "take me home."
Mind you, Devin and I have discussed holding off on a puppy until Aaden would be old enough to care for it on its own. Aaden began to beg, so I figured nows my chance! Hes perfect! So, I begged too! Devin looked at me with surprise, he knew I wanted to wait to get a puppy! I couldnt resist, neither could he so $65 later we were the proud owners of a precious lil cutie!
Naming the poor thing didnt take as long as I had expected. I really wanted Aaden to name him because it was really his dog. Can you imagine the kinds of names a 4 yr old might come up with? So I thought I could suggest a few to get the ball rolling! I suggested Jack and Evan. We agreed on Evan for a about 5 minutes. Aaden had a brilliant idea, HUNTER! I was surprised at his fabulous naming skills! So here he is our new puppy Hunter!

I love my life!

So in lieu of all this rainy weather(thats coming to an end) its time to clear my head of things that Im just not proud of. I try to make an effort to be a good person. My beliefs and values may not be the same as yours, but I'd like to think that if you are striving to be a better you, then that deserves some sort of good karma?!?! I try to do these things often, not as often as I would like:

1. Wake up and say Good Morning- This may put you in a good mood, and if not maybe the other person. (I am not a morning person-at all)

2. Pray daily. Its important to me to pray when im feeling gracious and blessed, and not so much when Im in need of something.

3. Do my best at work. Fridays are notorious for slacker days! Truth is Im very thankful for my job and lucky to have it in todays world.

4. Last, but not least, I try and be there 150% for my family. I would like to be able to do more for them. Be there for them.

So lately Ive asked a few people that I know what there standing is in there life. Are they happy? What would they change? My own thoughts on this are as follows:

1. I can honestly say I love my life.

2. If one day what Im doing does not make me happy, I will change it.

3. In relationships if one is happy and the other is not, then something is probably wrong. Or so it seems.

4. Is it wrong for one to be happy and the other so-so?

Even when some days are tough, I still go home every night to the people I love. I am finally happy where I am. I would hate to think of changing or being somewhere else. I love my life!!!

Rainy Day

Rainy days can have their perks:
1. Lay around and watch old movies all day (weekends)
2. You dont have to water your garden!
3. The sound of the rain makes you wanna take a nap!
4. Thunderstorms are exciting!

Today is one of those rainy days, minus all the perks...however, I wont be watering my garden! Last nights events sparked an awful ugly feeling in me. It happens occasionally. Every has days when they get down, but dont worry about me the yuckies are on their way out the door, because I am already feeling much better! Monday night was awesome I really enjoy Monday nights alone with Aaden. This is not to say that I dont enjoy other nights, but Mondays seem to be our special nights when we can do our own thing and bond or whatever. Spending time with him on Monday really made me feel great! Then came Tuesday. Im sure girlfriends and even steparents feel this way often, im also sure that this is a normal feeling. I really hate to get personal, but it helps to write and get it all out. First let me interest you in my opinions and beliefs on the current situation I am in.
1. My boyfriend has a son. I am totally fine with that- I wouldnt change it for anything.
2. I love this little boy, however I have no interest in replacing his mother, he already has a good mom. Also I do not believe "taking over" is what steparents/girlfriends should ever do to a child.
3. I feel it is important to establish a relationship with him. I mean we all live together part time anyways. This also implies letting him know what your role in his life is (i.e. No I dont want youre dad to be my dad too.)
4. Discipline. This seems to be a biggy. I let him know what is acceptable. When he does well I praise him, when he does not, he gets punished.

With the above being said, there is defintely a lot of gray areas in these types of relationships. I have often times felt like an "outsider" Im not implying that I am jealous or any of that. I somewhat understand the parent-child bond, I say somewhat because I do not have any biological children of my own at this time. I would never want to interfere with any parent and child. Their history and relationship has existed longer than mine with either of them.
Basically what im yapping about is that my feelings sometimes get hurt when Im left out. I know this is not done intentionally. I often wish roles were reversed so that my feelings could be felt by them. Its hard and takes a lot of work.
The bottom line is, I may get my feelings hurt, but I may never know the other side of the story, how the boy really feels. I will continue doing what I have been because I feel that I am doing the right thing and thats the way I would want to be treated. I love that little boy!

Just when I thought it couldnt get any better!

So my 23rd Birthday was the bestest everrrr! After dinner last night we went home, I knew relaxing was out of the question because I had a huge mound of laundry waiting for me. I could not pass up the beautiful 90 degree weather so the boy and I decided to break the SLIP AND SLIDE!!! Devin had to go to a meeting so it was just me and Aaden. He had a blast! The slip and slide was easy to set up, but let me tell you the box made it appear much bigger! Overall it didnt matter, Aaden had a wonderful time. Just as I began to ponder the idea of taking a slide (or a slip, that has happened to me before) it started to get chilly. Aaden was freezing so I took him in for a rinse in the shower. After that he begged, i mean asked to watch his newest fav "icarly" So it was off to laundry and dishes (how'd we get some many dirty dishes, we ate out???) Later everything was cleaned and ready for the next day I decided it was time for me to relax on the couch. Aaden was seriously the sweetest kiddo. He layed with me tugging my hair, He asked if he could sleep with me that night, He told me Happy Birthday, we talked about me chaperoning his field trip, he asked for a baby sister (again). A wonderful evening and perfect ending to my 23rd birthday! Then the next thing you know DADDY!!! Yep, thats right, Daddy's home, Im history! He's definitely Daddy's Boy!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Woo Hoo! Its my birthday...Big 23, although someone wanted to guess and did so before asking (how rude!) He guessed 28 and then "29 again" UGH!! Do I look that old? I think not!
No one can rain on my parade! Tonight Devin is taking me to dinner and I also get to pick out my sewing machine!!! I really hope sewing is going to be a neato hobby for me...I really hate the thought of buying a sewing machine and never using it!
Aside from being my birthday I had the greatest birthday party EVER on Saturday! Seriously of all the birthdays Ive ever had (and i will now rant on how i didnt get a sweet 16, 18th, or 21st birthday bash) THIS ONE TOOK THE CAKE! We had a DJ and Karaoke (yes, I entertained with my caterwalling!) My boyfriend is the greatest...he even sang happy birthday to me! (even tho today is my real birthday, and i had to remind him this morning!) People came that I really enjoy hanging out with...and even a few that i didnt know, like the highschoolers that tried to crash it but i made it be known that it was my party and thats why they were there;) All the kiddos that came were entertained by a large inflatable bouncie thing! It worked wonders!!! I crashed in my own bed (woohoo) a little after 2 am...The party went on without me...but i know they were all down there thinking of me!

Swagger

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Reality TV- Are we seeing the whole picture?

So all kinds of fuss in the news about "America's Favorite Family," Jon & Kate + 8. I have been an avid watcher since the first little 1 hr. special came about. Things I like about the show:

1. The cutest kids on tv! Of course everyone has their favorites, but I like them all. Aaden and his cute lil "gasses." Leah and her lil bossy self. Joel being his "daddy's son." Hannah's pretty hair (which I would suggest being cut a little to reduce headaches) Collin's helpfulness. Alexis' cute sayings, "Hers mean and hims nice" lol. Mady's eccentric ways, that girl is expressive as they come. Cara's loving nurturing kindness toward her siblings.
2. Their routineness... word? I like that the follow a loose schedule. Being a stay at home mom, Kate is very lucky!
3. I will admit that I have a lot of Kate-like tendencies. Clean Freak. Organized. I often shout in midst of stress at my boyfriend...lol He knows I love him. Also, my dramatic bursts because "I really do feel those things"

Recently I have been floored by accusations of both Jon and Kate cheating, running around, having an affair- whatever you wanna call it. There have been reports of Jon linking him to college students, and most recently video footageof him and 23 yr old woman leaving a bar at 2AM. Kate has been tagged for supposedly hooking up with the family bodyguard. Her own family members have came forward releasing statements and allegations that they are no longer the power couple we once saw. Her brother went as far as to say that they have a contract which also entails a decree saying Jon may date other woman and have girlfriends!

Bottom Line: Its none of our business of how this family works. The most important thing if the welfare of the kids. If that means cancelling the show, then so be it. As far as i am concerned all the media news is hearsay. We dont know what really goes on behind there door. We are merely getting a snapshot within a 30 minute show. Yes we see that Kate often says mean things to her husband, but havent we all said things that we shouldnt have? Family is supposed to be the strongest tie of all. Why is her own brother releasing statements about the family! If he needed to say something he should go quietly and privately to authorities- which does not include the media. Family shoudld stick together in hard times not divide and point fingers! I say the media should stop pointing fingers and judging these people. I believe the saying goes, Before you point fingers at someone else, make sure your own hands are clean. Furthermore, I would like to wish this family nothing but the best. The harsh words of the media have already been spoken, the kids have seen more than they should, but the love that they have in their hearts can heal the wounds and make them see how fortunate they are to have been blessed with beautiful children.

Interview

Sooo yesterday was the big interview for a job that could be very beneficial to me! Times are hard and this is the first interview out of the 30 jobs ive applied for! Sometimes I wish I would have never went to college...I might be ahead if I wouldnt have...
My garden is coming along very nicely. Im so proud! My tomatoes are taking off, and my onion sets have began to sprout already! I really do take pride in having grown something of my own!
Saturday morning I went searching for an outfit to interview in. I visited JC Penney where I found the most adorable outfits for Aaden! Each piece was $3.99! I ended up with 4 outfits, including the cutest pair of plaid shorts!

Its Friday da du da du du!

ITS FRIDAY!!!

Im very excited about the weekend, not that anything big is going on, but still excited. Why the excitement you ask? Tonight I will be knee-deep in bird feces. Yes,thats right POOP! No need to worry I have my scooping gear all laid out. I put on the rattiest clothes I can find, my boot (Affectionately called $h!% kickers) And of course my darling boyfriend was sweet enough to bring me home a mask. The mask prevents me lungs from being filled with chicken pooh dander, and as a lesson learned from the last time, a nose bleed.

Next on the agenda is cleaning out the shop for my birthday celebration. The shop is huge, yet also very dirty. I mean dusty and greasy, it is used for working on cars and such, but were planning onn serving food in here people! So out with the garbage, dirt, 4wheelers, and dirt bike and in with tables, crock pots, and of course an area set up for the DJ! YESSS! I am honestly really absolutely totally excited!!!

But the weekend may be filled with work and labor, but I really enjoy getting things done, what could make it better? Of course having Aaden there!

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Well it has certainly been a while! Lots of exciting happenings round here.
1. Our local town celebration equipped with lots of "jumpy things," cornhole tournament, and yard sales woo hoo!
2. Took Aaden to a birthday party on Saturday, he had a blast!
3. Got a new (used)(Broke, but soon to be fixed) hot tub! Living the good life!
And last but not least, are you ready for this?

Last night hatched 13 baby chicks!!! They are the cutest little things. Sadly, several didnt make it to even hatch, but 13 is plenty, especially when they churp churp all night! Ill be posting photos soon!

Frugalness!

Lately I have been skimming other blogs, Im curious to see their whole graphic setup. I noticed in a few of them the word "Frugal" having no idea what this meant I did a little research and am very excited to announce that I too would like to be frugal! So this is the beginning and im warning you, I have a tendency of starting things and not finishing them....
Yesterday I was skimming prices of laundry detergent at our local dollar store. Crazy prices! With twi and a half people in my house, you would think my laundry wouldnt be an issue, well that 1/2 lil man loves jumping in puddles and driving that darn 4 wheeler into the pond. I think I do a considerable amount of laundry for 3 people! Anywho I saw that a blogger had posted the recipe for laundry soap and it looked so simple. Being that I am allergic to smells...Fragrant detergents, shampoos, and soaps often leave me feeling itchy and irritated so I have been religiously "Gain" for about 3 years now.
Heres the recipe for the new furgal detergent...

1/2 bar Fels Neptha Soap

1 cup Borax

1 cup Washing Soda

1 tbs. Glycerin

Grate the soap and mix with 8 cups warm water. Add rest of ingrediants and shake in a jug. Add more water to create two gallons of detergent. (You can condense it if you choose)

Im really excited to try this out. The only problem I have would be finding these ingrediants locally, especially the Fels Neptha Soap. I'll have the results soon!

Derbyyy

Kentucky Derby 2009!

Great weekend! Derby time means Party time!!! We went to the Downs on Thursday, had an awesome time! Cant really remember how much we bet of if we broke even!

Saturday we spent the day with strangers lol! We went to a party near the house. We didnt know a soul there, but we invited some friends of our own (Is that crashign a party or what?) They had a pretty good band, and even a dance floor! Of course we had to dance!

This is Devin trying to convince his friends wife to go out with us after the party....It didnt work!

After that we were on our own!

1. I did not spend all day/night Sunday lying around my dirty house!

2. I did not sped all day Friday in the ER battling the 3 day headache!

3. I did not leave that ER with a smile, and continue to fight the headache for two more days!

4. I do not still have a headache!

Ode to Gatlinburg!

WHEW! Good to be back home, yet sad to be home. We had such an awesome time! I feel as if I've gained 100 pounds from all the good food we ate. We didnt get to do everything we wanted b/c of the lack of time, but I can honestly say this was the best vacation I have ever been on!

Our attempt at taking a good photo, while on the sky lift...

Beautiful view while hiking

We had to play catch up to the lil one!

Doesn't this look like a post card?

The waterfall was breathtaking!

I Love this one

Almost back down to the bottom!

Crash!

Today is also:

1. I did not wake up grumpy and snap at my boyfriend over a pair of wet shoes.
2. I did not spend 5 minutes in the daycare parking lot discussing a toy truck and listening to a dramatic (as well as convincing) meltdown!

3. I did not give in to the meltdown.

4. I did not spend the morning daydreaming about the beautiful vacation we had!

Just wanted to add in a little tribute to the Late Bea Arthur. The Golden Girls is/was one of my favorite shows. Arthur passed on April 25th.

I dont like this person...

well well well. I thought today would be a rather pleasant one. I awoke this morning in a fairly good mood. Only 30 minutes later it was ruined. From then on my day has went down the toilet. I think I have a notion on why. I consider myself a positive happy person. My intuitive thinking often gets in the way of this. I dont know why I am the way I am. I have a clue. I am a sociology major therefore I am always reading far into things/people far too deeply. I continue to do this because welp, most the time my notions/premontitions (whatever you wanna call it) are correct!
I often judge people when first meeting them. I know, I know this is a really bad thing to do, but I am usually right about people. What I really hate about this is when you meet someone and get them all figured out. You know something about someone but they never admit to it. EVER! Its like you are just waiting for them to slip up and say/do something and it never happens. Then one day you convince yourself that you were wrong....unbelievable. You get comfortable, you trust, you......JUST FELL FOR IT Next thing you know it happens...the truth comes out (As it always does) and there you are...You can commend yourself for figuring it out beforehand, but then feel foolish for falling into it and not trusting your feelings. This has happened to me. It sucks. After having this happen to you, one may wonder of the event occuring again. Every new relationship is quickly busted for fear that one is once again "just falling for it." This is a serious issue for me. Trust in someone is a big thing. Lastly, Here's quote from Author Jodi Picoult:
"Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it’s not because they enjoy solitude. It’s because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”

Wonderful Weekend!

Other than today being work day number 8 in a row, I had a pretty eventful weekend. Saturday I kept my friends baby, Brooklyn. She is so funny!

She loved the lawn mower!

And of course had to do everything Aaden did!

This is a cute one!

Im very excited for our weekend getaway coming up on Friday! I wish it was longer, but I think we can make the most of our time while we are there.

On a grumbly note, I just got word of someone cheating! Cheating on their wife. If there is one thing I cannot stand it is a cheater! Cheating constitutes a whole mess of things. Cheating to me, is not just a physical act, but also emotional. If you are still hanging on to someone emotionally, but yet have moved on and engaged in another relationship, guess what YOU are a CHEATER! And also probably a little psychologically unsettled for not being able to let go and freakin move on! If you cant get through the day without mentioning the ex or talking to them, then you should not be in a relationship!

I dont feel that I could ever forgive someone who cheats. I would be too insecure that they would do it again. Sorry dont mean nothing to me, and these days neither does a promise. Ive been promised the world and have been told everything I ever wanted to hear, but that means nothing anymore.

Dont get me wrong I love my boyfriend very much and Im not referring to him on any of this. Ive been ruined before and know what to look out for. Which brings me to my next topic:

Meet Josh and Anna Duggar!

(For those of you who arent TLC addicts, as I am.) Josh and Anna have a truly remarkable story with a wonderful, loving family behind them. This story inspired me and made me wish I had the same kind of fairy tale wedding and love story. They met and immediately knew they liked one another. They did not hook up or make out. They prayed to God. They prayed and asked God if the other was supposed to be the one he made for them. God answered their prayers and before long they were engaged to be married. Both Josh and Anna had the same values and home life. They never even kissed until their wedding day! That brings a tear to my eye! Seriously! They have been married for a while now and have recently announced that they are expecting! For those of you who dont know Josh comes from a very large family which includes 17 brothers and sisters. His parents instill values and morals within their children. Obviously they are doing something right, because the have raised a very special young man. im truely inspired by this family. I may not agree with all their practices, (Naming all thier children with the letter "J" or all 20 members of the family sharing one huge closet) but I can surely say that they have warmed my heart!

Im at Work. On a Saturday! Ive already been here for 3 hrs. and its only 9 am. motivated motivated! Im waiting on a friend to come by so we can go yard saleing! Who knows what we will get into. tonight is Thunder of Louisville, a big Fire works show. However, I will not be attending. ( Large crowds, ewww) Devin and I are considering taking Aaden and my friends baby girl to the air show, but who knows.

Gingerbread House!

So last night Devin forced lil man and I to throw away our precious Gingerbread house that we worked so diligently on for 3 days! I know you're probably thinking Gingerbread house? in April? Don't worry, the story goes way back to December. Aaden and I worked on it and, might i add, It turned out great! Sure, it was not comparable to the picture on the box, but I've mentioned my artistic abilities before, plus including a vivacious 4 year old! The beautiful house dawned our kitchen table for a couple of months and then Devin suggested we toss it out! I was saddened by this and Aaden was also upset. We developed a plan to keep it. We sat it on top of the fridge, out of the way. Every couple of weeks Devin would mention, "When are we going to throw away that gingerbread house? I would reply, assuring him, "We have got to get a picture with it first." So being the procrastinators that we are, it has been put off until last night.

We had no other excuses so we snapped a quick photo. I presumed Aaden would be heartbroken and he was- For about a millisecond. His daddy suggested he be the one to take it outside and smash it. I guess that's one of the many joy's of living with a man/boy!
I almost forgot to mention next years Gingerbread house idea!
Here's a sneak peek!

Wedding Planner

Going along with trying new things and writing this blog, I am interested i just a whole plethora of artsy type things. Don't worry I cant draw stick people, so when I say artsy don't get your hopes up, I should call them hobbies and interests. So first, Wedding Planning. This is probably something that every single female thinks about. Im not trying to get hitched, but it is fun to think about. Being part redneck my ideas aren't likeable by many, so go ahead and quit reading now if you feel like it.

Wedding
I imagine an outside wedding. Nightime. Shoot, Now im trying to think of ways to describe it. Ok, think Steel Magnolias- the reception, only at night. In a gazebo, with guests seated in front.



Colors
OK, forget about "My colors are Blush and bashful" Pink is not my signature color;) I think I would like off whites, pearl-colored! O r even a very pale, soft blue. sheets draped over the gazebo, yes gazebo. Old wood, rustic looking with twinkle lights draped all over it (Twinkle lights people, not christmas lights!) It wouldnt need to be very large, just big enough for the couple and the preacher man.

Decorations
Different sized square haybales with twinkle lights wrapped around them. A dark reception hall(or clean barn;)) dim, putting off just enough light with scattered oil lamps. A few trees or plants for greenery. Linens on the tables would be clean and pressed, but still keep an antique feel. I guess i call this style shabby chic, I read that in a magazine.Cream colorred tulle wrapped around the beams and "poles?" ever so slighlty, not taking away from the beautiful rustic barn Gather a few (3 or 4) old quilts with beaming colors and hang them on the walls to add color to the barn. They dont have to match. Without getting out of my theme style, possibly hanging a few of those paper lanterns or those pom pom things for added lighting??? A large tree trunk off to the side with our initials carved right in. Going back to the Steel Magnolias theme, of course using large magnolias. At other weddings ive seen slide shows up on a big over head baby pictures through adult years of the couple, while playing sweet love songs.

Food
Buffet Style Country Cookin of course!

Im really glad im writing this, I would hate to leave out any detail.

Who I am, Where Ive been and Where Im going...

Just an introductory about me, Im Casey, duh. I have recently ventured out into the "real world" as people like to call it. Yes folks ima college graduate. Honestly, I dont feel any different. Ok now backing it up to 22 (almost 23) years ago when i took my first breath in this world. I was a June baby. Attached to my mother from birth i tell ya. My father, however, thats a different story. As much as I hate to admit it that story needs a whole 'nother blog, itsa shame that i am going to use up a whole one on that crap. Anywho, had a good childhood. I have one older sister, grandparents, friends and all that. I dont really like gettin into the past....so When i graduated high school i knew i wanted to go to college, but i didnt know what to major in, and sadly $16,000 later, i still dont. Im job hunting, along with half of America. Considering posting myself on a billboard along with my credentials. I couldnt ask for anything more in my lilfe right now (other than a job) I live with my boyfriend and part time his 4 yr old son. I love it. I have cohabitated before and i know all the crap of it. but this time its different. Soooo I love my boyfriend and his son and we are happy! Thats all for now, but dont worry I'll be posting more- and hopefully get up the nerve to post in greater detail!