Pictures of the Jewelry Swaps

First pic is of the completed Anything Goes Jewelry Swap done by the girls at Scrapshare

Second is the Sweetheart Swap done by the girls at Scrapshare

The Pink charms are my charms for the Little Princess Swap that is Due in March

The green charm is my charm for the Spring Swap due in March

I have two other princess charms and one other spring charm set that I got to find the pics for. I will post later.

So thats what I am working on

3 Princess Charm sets

2 Spring Charm sets

1 Shades of Black Charm

1 Shades of Blue Charm

1 Shades of Green Charm

The Shades of Sets are due in April so I will work on them and get them posted. Hopefully I will be doing a Disney and Patriotic Swap! Can you tell I have a new obsession? I lurve it!

Catching up!

Okay, it dawned on me that I have not been so good with all the challenges. Well you know how it goes. You make all these resolutions in the beginning of January only to let them all slide by the end of the month. The most important things to you always remain clear but the excess usually gets trimmed off. So here is the updates on mine(because I am no different!)

LOAD Challenge. I made it something like 18 days........and then I missed a day. And then another day. Then a week. And then never started back. I wish I could have finished the challenge BUT, I gotta be in the mood to scrap and well I just lost all motivation! Still I love the pages I did, and I got alot done. Thinking back I should have split up those two page spreads and used one per day. So technically I got more done!

Scrapshare Page Challenge

Totals
32 total pages done
1 Altered Big Clip
2 altered drink cases(frappachino and coke)
2 altered soup cans

Also I have done a 4 jewelry swaps.

picture a day--okay, this is really hard. I TRIED! And I did pretty good. But here is the truth. Taking them is one thing , uploading them and labeling is another. UGH! But I have taken quite a bit more in January then I ever would have with out the challenge and that is a good thing!

I have not done any of the Scrapshare Blog Challenges. One I had nothing to write about the other I am still pondering. Sometimes you just got to ponder.....You know!

The night before the wedding!

I have officially had 4 hours sleep. The bride had less. Not sure about the groom. Probably the same. Its all good! I spent last night going out to eat with my mother in law and kids. I did some running around to get some wine and made it over to the church about 9. We loaded up gifts and me , Beth and Jess headed over to the house. The other bridesmaids showed up a little later along with Ben(the groom) and his groomsmen. What happened to Jess's rule about not seeing the groom the night before. That kind of flew out the window! LOL! She said as long as they did not fall asleep and then wake up before the wedding and see each other. Hmmm....okay! We all proceeded to sit around the kitchen table drinking as much as possible. Probably not the brightest move, but hey, I am not the one in pictures today. Can you believe we broke out with the Boones Farm? I mean who does this? I have not drank Boones Farm since like High School. Now I remember why!!!!! At one point we just passed bottles around the table. Sad.....I know. But hey good times to be had, oh, and we had them! Have I mentioned I am going to miss these people when I move?

Good Luck today my friend! Beautiful Bride !

ABC's of me......I am boring you right ?

ABC of Me

The Letter A
Are you available?: to do what?
What is your age?: 28
What annoys you?: one up people. Thank you Laura for teaching me that!

The Letter B
Do you live in a big house?: better question....Who cares?
When is your birthday?: August 25th
Who is your best friend?: I have several great great friends that I could easily call the best

The Letter C
What's your favorite candy?: hmm........lifesavers
Who's your crush?: a vampire called Mick St. John
When was the last time you cried?:????

The Letter D
Do you daydream?: sure do
What's your favorite kind of dog?: I am not sure I have a favorite. It just depends
What day of the week is it?: Saturday

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs?: egg whites only, scrambled
Have you ever been in the emergency room?: To many times to count
What's the easiest thing ever to do?: smile

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane?: yep
Do you use fly swatters?: I am guessing I have, but I don't actively have one in the house
Have you ever used a foghorn?: uh, maybe a couple times

The Letter G
Do you chew gum?:all the time....fav is orbit white wintermint
Are you a giver or a taker?: both
Do you like gummy candies?:hmm.....gummy lifesavers

The Letter H
How are you?: I am fine, how are you?
What color is your hair?: brown, blonde, streaked

The Letter I
What's your favorite ice cream?: one sweet whirled-Ben and Jerrry's
Have you ever ice skated?: yes, took some lessons as a kid
Do you play an instrument?: piano, very poorly and I used to play the flute

The Letter J
What's your favorite jelly bean brand?: jelly belly
Do you wear jewelry?:sure

The Letter K
Who do you want to kill?: what kind of a question is that.?
Do you want kids?:got them
Where did you go for kindergarten?: Central school in huntsville

The Letter L
Are you laid back?: most of the time
Do you lie?:yes....snort(kidding)

The Letter M
Whats your favorite movie?: pride and prejudice
Do you still watch Disney movies?: sure with the kids
Do you like mangos?: yes....nummy......

The Letter N
Do you have a nickname?: lots! B.B, Brick, Breezy, etc. etc.
What is your real name?: Bryonny
Whats your favorite number?: 25
Do you prefer night over day?: depends

The Letter O
What's your one wish?: Just one? hmmm......I could think of several
Are you an only child?: no , one sister

The Letter P
What one fear are you most paranoid about? I guess it is a good thing I can't think of much....maybe snakes, but I am not paranoid or anything
What are your pet peeves?: whining, people who insult you in a round about way
What's a personality trait you look for in people?: someone who likes to have a good time, someone who can make me laugh and smile, someone who can listen without judgement

The Letter Q
What's your favorite quote?: If it is not madness, it is not love
Are you quick to judge people?: I hope not, some people you can right away, but most people I like to get to know before

The Letter R
Do you think you're always right?:I was only wrong once, but it turned out that was a mistake
Are you one to cry?: no , I am not

The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain?: depends on what I am doing
Do you like snow?: yes
What's your favorite season?: Fall

The Letter T
What time is it?: 9:05
What time did you wake up?: 7:10
When was the last time you slept in a tent?: Its been a couple years

The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear?: yes
Underwear or boxers?: both

The Letter V
What's the worst veggie?: carrots when they are cooked
Where do you want to go on vacation?: Italy

The Letter W
What's your worst habit?: drinking caffeniene....Is that a habit?
Where do you live?: Ft. Payne, Alabama
What's your worst fear?: ? I don't know

The Letter X
Have you ever had an x-ray?: yeah
Have you seen the x-games?: no
Do you own a xylophone?:no

The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow?: not so much
What's one thing you yearn for?: hmmmm.........I am not telling :)

The Letter Z
Whats your zodiac sign?: Virgo
Do you believe in the zodiac?: why not
Favorite zoo animal?: elephants

Here is another.......

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends! Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun! Copy this entire email and paste into a new email that you can Send, change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you. Some of you may get this several times (that means you have lots of friends).


1. What is your occupation? stay at home
2. What color are your socks right now? bare feet3. What are you listening to right now? hannah montana
4. What was the last thing that you ate? blackened fish and green beans
5. Can you drive a stick shift? yep7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? jess
8.. Do you like the person who sent this to you? yep!9. How old are you today? 28
10. Favorite drink? beringer
11. Favorite sport to watch? Baseball
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep13. Pets? not currently
14. Favorite food? italian15. Last movie you watched? The wedding singer16. Favorite Day of the year? oct. 31
17. What do you do to vent anger? get really pissed off and spout off to my friends! They are good and let me vent!
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? my little pony19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Definitely fall20. Hugs or kisses? KISSES
21. Cherry or Blueberry? cherry
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? sure23. Who is most likely to respond? ?24. Who is least likely to respond? ?
25. Living arrangements? an apartment, just me and the kids
26. When was the last time you cried? ? 27. The friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? krysten
28. The friend you have had the shortest that you are sending it to?laura29. Favorite smell? salt water30. Favorite sound? the ocean waves crashing31. What inspires you? getting out there and trying new things. Doing the things I have always thought about and trying them
32. What are you most afraid of? I am afraid of life passing my by and not doing the things that I want to do
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? spicy
34. Favorite car? currently an XTerra, but any truck will do
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 5
36. How many years at your current job? To long :)
37. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
38. WHO WERE YOU NAMED AFTER? A Louis Lamour Book
39. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING. sure
40. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey41. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2
42. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? sure, I am fun! :)43. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? yes, see question 42
44. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yep
45. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? oh yeah!!!!!!!
46. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky charms47. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no, but I should
48. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I am realizing I am!
49. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? cookies and cream or ben and jerry's One Sweet Whirled
50. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their body type, jaw lines(I know I am weird) , smile
51. RED OR PINK? both
52. WHAT IS Your LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? I don't give myself enough credit.
53. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? DH has been gone a long time
54. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? no shoes, and black exercise pants
55. Do you exercise? Everyday!
56. HAIR COLOR? brown for now
58. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope, perfect vision
59. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
60. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer61. FAVORITE DESSERT? I love Tiramisu ! good answer Kylene
62. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Harequin by Laurell K Hamilton
63. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? plain black64. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? part of the Biggest Loser
65. Favorite Singer? Jimmy Buffett
66. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Mexico?67. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Lots of them
68. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Huntsville, AL69. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? everyone's

Got this in an email......so passing it along

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends. What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire
e-mail and paste it onto anew e-mail that you'll send. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, that you might not have known.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:40 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I am legend
4. What is your favourite TV show? Uh, I repeat Laura........MOONLIGHT.....Is there any other show!!!
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Powerbar, coffee, water bottle
6. What is your middle name? Anne
7. What food do you dislike? onions
8. What is your favourite CD at the moment? jon mclaughlin
9. What kind of car do you drive? Toyota Corolla
10. What is your favourite sandwich? Quiznos, classic club with bacon....yum
11. Favourite item of clothing? cute panties
12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation,
where would you go? Italy.....yep already bought the tickets
13. What color is your bathroom? boring white
14. Favourite brand of clothing? no favs, just has to look good
15. To where would you retire? The beach, maybe a island
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? hmm, fav birthday.....is it sad I can not think of one?
17. Favourite sport to watch? Baseball
18. Farthest place you are sending this to? Afghanistan
19. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? Chris
20. Person you expect to send it back first? Kylene
21. Favourite saying: Nummmy.......Instead of yummy....HaHa
22. When is your Birthday? August 25th
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? I used to be a night person, but this year , I have definetly become a morning person
24. What is your shoe size? Ahhhh 9.5
25. Do you have a pet? A cat MIA who is now living at my parents, but I am getting a dog next month
26. What did you want to be when you were little? a marine biologist
27. What is your favourite candy? Mr. Goodbar if we are talking chocolate bar.....but lately I have been addicted to lifesavers!
28. What is your favourite flower? white daisys
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking
forward to? November 8th is the set date to leave for Italy! But I am looking forward to some dates in March and April
30. What is your full name?Bryonny Anne Robbins
31. What are you listening to now? The rain
32. What was the last thing you ate? Ice cream cone from MCD's
33. What is the weather right now? raining
34. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes!
35. Favourite soft drink? diet mtn. dew
36. Favourite restaurant? This little bar and grill on Treasure Island in Tampa , FL
37. Siblings? 1 sister
38. Favourite day of the year? October 31
39. Favourite toy as a child? care bears, my little ponies
40. Summer or winter? Summer
41. Hugs or kisses? kisses
42. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
43. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes
44. When was the last time you cried? When Jess was telling me some of the songs for her wedding and the reasons behind it......I kinda teared up.....yeah, I know so not like me!!!
45. What is under your bed? some boxes
46. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Stacey, ever since I met her in the bathroom in 6th grade....
47. What did you do last night? Passes out watching a movie after going to MCD's with Jess and Ben.
48. Favourite smell? Citrus
49. Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn? Plain!
50. How many years at your current job? What job?
51. Favourite day of the week? Saturday
52. How many towns have you lived in? 9-10 easily!!
53. What is your pet peeve? Hallelujia Laura! one up people.........move on!!!!!!!

recipe for me~just a little fun

The Recipe For Bry

3 parts Genius2 parts Fearlessness1 part Prosperity Splash of Silliness Limit yourself to one serving. This cocktail is strong!

What's" the Recipe for Your Personality?

Fun times with the girls

Great party! I can't believe it has taken me a week to write about it. I have been putting in some major hours at the gym, and then of course it was a short week. Time sure does fly. Chris birthday was this week. It was the second year we spent it apart. Last year we got a cake and celebrated. This year , I just let it pass. Sometimes you just have to let days go by. Time is doubling up. I have already lived a January with out my husband. Anyway! STacey came over to go to the party with me as well as my cousin Krysten and her friend Evelyn. We had a great time. There was about 13 of us there including the consultants. The bubbly was flowing and the party got off to a great start! Of course put me and Stacey in the same room and we kind of feed off each other. i love that about our relationship! We had fun posing for some great pics. Had way to much to drink, but had an incredible time. We hooked my girl Jess up! She should have a great honeymoon!!! The wedding is just a few days away, I am very excited for her.

Well I forgot to post highlights of the week so I will now.

1. The party-alot of fun, and its been awhile since I had a girls night!

2. Spending time with Stacey. Its been a crazy year for both of us. We both wish we could have more time together. But that is what is great about our relationship, whenever we are together we always have a great time!!

3. I will add today's run to my highlights. I did about 8-9 miles. I am exhausted but man did that feel good. I feel like I am finally getting back in the groves of things.

best pictures for the week

It has been another crazy week here. I should be up cleaning the house and doing laundry. Tonight is the bachelorette party and I have some friends staying over. The kids are at the grandparents house and I had last night to myself again. I sat around , finished up my Anita Blake novel, and watched Moonlight. I am so not happy about waiting possible 6 months for the return!!! It was a good episode, but a little bitter sweet knowing it was the last one. Sheesh, I have not been so hooked on a show in so long!

It snowed this week. Wedneday afternoon it came down for hours. Nothing accumulated but it was so pretty. I met Jess at spinning class and we all watched it through the windows as we rode. At the end of class we did this pretend road race(called drafting) We turned out the lights and pulled up the blinds as it snowed. It was exhilirating! Great workout. I have been to the gym a few times this week , but slacked off the cardio a little. Did well on the diet , and did well on the weight lifting but only did 3 days of good solid cardio.

Chris sent some new pictures. Well they were uploaded to the Nuristan website(link on your right). I love seeing pics of him when I have not seem him in so long. Its an odd feeling. We are almost to the two month mark! Better get my butt in gear! I am adding a pic here of him, he is wearing the Alabama Hat I sent him. It looks totally out of place, I love it!

Oh yeah, and I have kept up with the LOAD Challenge. It has been a struggle this week but I did it. I have another card for the deck of me challenge to do as well. I will get some uploaded later.

Brave Girl

Kendal is so brave. We went shopping today with Jess and Emma. Emma has her ears pierced. Well this intrigued K, who constantly goes around with clipons. I will admit I secretly want her ears pierced but would always want it to be her choice. Well we walked into Claires to get some bows, she saw the earings and asked me to get them done. She was determined, even after I told her it would sting or hurt a little. She made it through the first ear, Eyes got real big, but not one drop fell! Second one......She let it all out for about a minute. Them she was so proud. She showed them to everyone! She is still very happy, I am not sure how happy I will be with all the cleanings, but it will be easy I hope! Oh did I mention she picked the most expensive ones out. So my child!

Best of this week

1. Box from Laura.......Laura was continuing with her gifts for the year. She altered a paint can for me. It was absolutely awesome!!! I need a pic of it , and will get one on here soon.

2. My workouts.....I ate great all week, staying on the diet and worked out faithfully every day!

3. I had friday night to myself without the kids. I just stayed home watched my Moonlight and scrapping and that was a great break.

4. Got my new phone, so I am not going around with my headphones on.

5. Moonlight(I can't forget this)

6. Laughing on the phone with Laura over you tubes!



Here is a pic I took yesterday as well. I am still taking them almost everyday , just not uploading them as much! I am really enjoying altering pics. I spend way to much time with this.

keeping busy

Here are the recent layouts for the LOAD Challenge and as promised my Deck of me Cards.

Week 1- Goals for 2008

Week 2-Quote that fits my life right now

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

First of all Friday.......did you see the episode of Moonlight? Wow! again....Wow! Love it. My friend Kylene called me afterwards. I knew what that phone call was about! We talked for a long time about where the show was going and how hot we think Mick ST. John is! The next day I talked to Laura. Pretty much the same conversation except we spent the evening sending you tubes back in forth. Trying to out do the other. She sent me a "Im to sexy" one, after I had sent her the "naughty boy" one. Then we found a Hey Micky, and a "Im bringing sexy back" video. Seriously , we have nothing better to do........I wish I could post them all here for your enjoyment and some day I will get to it. I will try to put them at the bottom of the page. So scroll down, maybe I got it done!

Saturday was the bridal shower of a friend. And it went over well, took forever to open gifts, but afterwards we had a good time. Goofing around making pics. I love this girl, I tell ya. She has been a saving grace here. Here is a pic of us at the shower. The Bride(jess), me, and Beth. Now I got some really funny pics of her with bows on her head and stuff, but I am not sure we would like me to post that for the world. I am sure next weekend will be some even better pics at the bachelorette party! Can not wait!

Crazy week

I have been crazy busy this week, but I have managed to get the layouts done. NOt much else though! I have been working

out like mad and taking spinning in the afternoons. This is the first full week for both kids and it has taken its toll on me. One thing that did get done this week was the booking of my Italy Trip. I am so stinking excited about this! Going with hubby and sister and brother in law. Trip is in November for 10 days. I have never been overseas. My one place to ever visit overseas is Italy. Of course there are so many other places but if I only get to go once, I wanted it to be Italy. So this is very special, not to mention one of my "things to do before 30".

Other things happening this week......New episode of Grey's Anatomy, and Friday night is a new episode of Moonlight. I can not wait!!

Also I have a friend getting married in a few weeks so I have been trying to plan a "slumber" party for her. Its going to be really fun and a good friend /consultant is going to come over and do the party for us. I am looking forward to a night out with friends. Now to ask the parents to watch my kids. ugh! NOt fun. Same friend is having a bridal shower this weekend so I have got to ask them for this Sat. too. I was really doing a good job at staying away from my parents house. I mean I take my clothes to the laundry mat, pick up my mail once a week, etc. Oh well, it will just be one afternoon.

One thing I have totally slacked off with this week is my picture a day, unless you count taking a pic of my layout. So those will have to do. I need to get more in the habit of taking my camera everywhere. I will get back into this though! I will!

Oh and picked up another scrapbooking challenge. Deck of Me challenge. 52 cards, 52 weeks , one a week. Topic are being posted weekly. I think this will be fun, and its just for me. I will do it on the weekend. I will post some soon!

Pic for the day

K.K. taking a picture. Verdict is still out on this kid camera. How the heck do I get the pics on the computer? EVery time I try to upload it says there are no pics! One day I will figure it out. Like every other electronic in my house.....If I only had time to read the manual that go with them. We all cleaned the house today really really good. Then the kids played Wii while I scrapbooked. I like the Wii, except I am not liking my son's atitude when he does not get to play it. I believe that until I can work on a reward system for it. It will be restricted for the weekends. End of story! I am tired of fighting over it. With school back in session for everyone this week(yeah!) then there will be even less time for it during the week. I actually think that this will be a fun family system once Chris gets home. Right now, I can not get into it to much. It takes to long for them to talk about how to play and what is going on. Rye is constantly calling me into the room to read the screen. NO thanks!

Well January 6th the dreaded 1 year mark came and went. And now it is just getting through the next few months and this will all be over. Tommorrow is back to the gym. I only have 3 months to look really good for the return!!!!

I will end this week with my weekly blog challenge.

What made me happy this week:

• Moonlight tshirts from my friend Laura
• A box of books and a writing challenge from my friend Kylene(We had challenged each other to write things in each other we liked) It was a great gift to get hers in writing(I had sent an email!)
• The knowledge that I have great friends that interest , challenge , and love me!
• A year down, and the excitement of this deployment being almost over!
• Challenging myself to do layouts everyday.
• Scrapbooking on QVC-definetly makes me happy!

layouts for the weekend

Here is Sat. and Sun. layouts for the Load Challenge. It is great to fit a little bit of scrapbooking in every day. Even if it is just the one layout, its something. But I was able to get more than this done over the weekend. I am crusin through this album. Very exciting because in case you can't tell its an older year. I am going to get all caught up this year on older years!
So far I have done 16 pages in 2008.

365 days......and still I count

This is the 365th day that my husband has been gone. And do not say that those 2 weeks he came home count! Well they count, but you can not believe how they fly by. All you try to do is calm down, breathe , and find some joy in them.....and then they are over. Chris texted me this morning. Its already the dreaded January 6th there for him. His text said " Do you know what you were doing 1 year ago" , I said "yep, freezing my ass off , holding you, saying goodbye". I will be thinking about it in the morning when it is January 6th here for me, but I will try and concentrate on the fact that the year is gone! And we made it.
I will talk about the emotions of the night before though. How do you say goodbye? How do you squeeze all the hugs and kisses into a night and know that it will be so long before you can do it again? How do make sure you say all the things that are in your head? How do you memorize a person, and hope it is enough? I don't have answers to these questions, I just know that you do the best you can, and that is will never be enough. There is no way it can ever be enough. So I sit here tonight and let those emotions flood over me, and I realize how far I have come. No one can ever get used to this life. It will never get easier. Being away from the person that makes you whole for years at a time will never be normal. But I do not want another life. Being married to Chris is the best thing that ever happened to me. And I will take what I can get. I will wait for him. I will make the most of the time we are together. I will smother him with hugs,kisses, and "I love you's" whenever I can. No it will never be enough but I will just continue to do the best that I can.

Another day down

Here is my layout for the challenge. I am managing a two page layout a day. Nothing more. But hey thats alot! I will get done with this album. I will. But it is fun to look at how little my son was or how young(and fit) I looked! I took some other pic today too. Nothing worth uploading(I am too tired), but I did take it for the pic a day challenge. All I can say is Thank goodness it is Friday. I even got a vampire fix. Even if Moonlight was a rerun, it was still good. New episode next week! woo hoo! I am off to read some Laurell K Hamilton. I have 3 more to finish the Anita Blake series! I need to slow down because there is not another new one until June(I think) Guess I will have to get back to my Outlander series. It is getting about time to have a Jamie fix!

A few pictures for today

1. Swap Boxes. Out my door!! And one for Chris as well. I am glad to be done with these. I was in 4 jewelry swaps(see examples in Dec. post). I love to jewelry swap! But I need not to do so many at one time. I can get them all done. I just hate the mailing part. I got all the way to the post office today and forgot to put something in them. I will get them done tommorrow! First thing. I hate when something slips my mind. Thats what I get for making myself quit making lists! Lists bogged me down with expectations, and disapointment when I did not finish something. So I quit making them. See where it gets me!

2. My birthday present(Its in August)........ and Christmas......Valentines, St. Patty, Quanza, whatever. I got the best gifts today. They just made me laugh out loud. It is definetly one of my happy thoughts for the week. My good friend Laura sent these tshirts to me. I am a Moonlight fanatic, as is she. If you know the show, if you have ever drooled over Mick the vampire, you will love these shirts. I am sleeping with one...I mean in one tonight!

3. My layout for the day. I thought I would never get this done. I just did not feel well. Its the new diet. Not new, just back on it. I dropped my calorie intake to fast. Ugh, I had a headache and just felt yuck, but I made myself sit down and do the layout, upload it and finish day 3 of the challenge!

Back in the swing of things

I had that familiar feeling today. You know, being overwhelmed. School starts back tommorrow. I had a ton of errands to run, bills to pay, spinning class at 4...............There is never enough hours in the day to get it done. I hope things will be easier when Chris gets back. You really underestimate the extra pair of hands. I was able to get my 2nd layout done for the January Challenge. I am not getting much else done but a 2 page spread a day, but every little bit helps right. This power pallatte(CM-Cabana) is awesome. I am doing the entire year in it. It really helps to limit all the choices and just get it done! Also I took a picture today for the 365 picture a day challenge. Nothing exciting. Just my shoe. Why? Because I need a new pair. See that whole on the top, left side? I proudly gained that hole from all the trail running I have done. I have another , newer pair for the gym, but these are my favorite. I gotta go see if I can find them again. We have one store here that carries athletic shoes. Not a big selection. And I have to buy New Balance. There is no other brand for my foot. So thats my picture for the day. I just said I would take one everyday, not that it would be a piece of art!

Picture a day for the year!

January 1 , 2008

Picture a day for a year seems so overwhelming! But I have been reading blogs of people doing just that. Well I am going to try it and go for as long as I can! I woke up today panicked though because I didnt take one yesterday on the first day of the year. Well except for the layout page. But I did, I did! I took one with my phone at the Cracker Barrell. This is K, playing checkers with Bubba. Our table was right up against it so I enjoyed my coffe and they played, well until Rye got mad because K was not playing right. Oh Well!

How I spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

New Years Eve

-Well I am pretty boring here. I spent the last 30 minutes of 2007 watching Rockin New Years on TV, sipping pink champagne. Yes, I opened the bottle early. Chris called me about 10 minutes before the new year and talked to me until the ball dropped. He said that he may not be able to kiss me on the lips but he could kiss me in my ear at midnight. And thats what he did! It had been January 1st for him for about 10 hours. We said our goodnights and I went to bed.

On a side note I kinda had de ja vu watching Fergie on TV. Its what I did the previous year, I went out a week later and bought her album. Love it!

-Today, well I have been lazy! The kids surprised me by cleaning up their room before I got out of bed. I told them that they deserved breakfast at Cracker Barrel for that. So we went and ate Sunrise Samplers. I still have not got used to eating out with the kids by myself this year, but I have really enjoyed the few times we have had breakfast at Cracker Barrell. Another plus to having an apartment in town! After Breakfast we came home and the kids played Wii and played. They were a little irritable today due to being up late last night. I tried to let them stay up but neither one made it. Of course they were up at the same time this morning. Ugh! I played around online and did some scrapbooking. I am doing the January Challenge Class on the Big Picture Website. We have to do a layout a day in January. Here is mine for today, I will try to add these in daily.

Hi/Low of 2007

Lets start this on a positive Note. I challenged myself to think of 5 Highlights of 2007. This was hard for me. It was a rough and challenging year. But here are some things I came up with.

1. Road Trip- January- Now if you were on this trip you would be shaking your head at me for adding this as a Highlight, but it was. For a few reasons. First of all 2 great friends came out and held my hand as the soldiers , my husband included, left for deployment. We all loaded into my little Corolla and drove across the country. It was rough! We fought, disagreed, and generally argued about everything. We got no sleep and ran on nothing but caffeine. But you know what it was a hell of a ride! We stoped where we wanted to stop, we even went to San Antonio (which was a major adventure) and took a picture at each state sign. I would totally do it again. Crazy as it was, I can look back at it now with a big cheesy grin and say yeah, that was fun.

2. Seeing my kids for the first time. The kids left for Alabama with the grandparents on Dec. 26th, So I did not see them until January 10th. That was the longest I had ever gone without my babies. And I loved walking in to that house and seeing my son. It was late but he stayed up and waited for me. Later I crawled in bed with my baby girl and snuggled up to her. She woke up the next morning and could not believe I was there. That was a major hightlight!

3. Being close to Ft. Bragg, okay not exactly close , about 7 hours. But, close enough that I got to see Chris more than I would if I had been in AZ. I got a call from him one day and he asked me to drive up. He snuck off the base for 6 glorious hours and it was heaven. I will not add details but it was the best feeling in the world to see his face after 3 months!

4. North Carolina Trip- A few weeks later we all got to go to Ft. Bragg and see Chris before they flew out to Afghanistan. It was heart wrenching but we made the most of it. We visited the outer banks and explored lighthouses. It was a wonderful time and I truly enjoyed it.

5. Not 24 hours after leaving Chris with the kids crying our eyes out , I got a call from him. Come back he said, I have another week of R and R. Things got postponed and viola we got another 5 days with him. I went by myself this time because the kids were in school. 5 days in a hotel with the man of my dreams ......Highlight!

And I thought of some more!
-Finding out I was stronger than I believed
-Getting a new apt., and moving out of mom and dad's
-Finishing a 10k


So here are the Low points of this year

1. Obviously , Chris leaving. January 6th was an awful day. Standing there for hours saying goodbye. It about killed me. The same goes for each time we said goodbye at Ft. Bragg. 3 different times!

2. Chris called from Bangor , Maine right before his plane left the country. I never felt so alone in that moment. I did not think I would survive it. I think I physically felt him leave the country. Until I heard his voice again, I am not sure I breathed.

3. Communication has sucked this year! It took weeks for email /phones. And it is still not great.

4. Our relationship nearly fell apart. Enough said. This is between him and I , I will just say that neither one of us handled this first deployment well and we pulled away from each other instead of trying to come together. Chris and I have never handled time away from each other well and as the months went on we both fell into alot of depression.

5. You can never go home! It can not be done. Nothing like feeling like a teenager again living with the parents, oh yeah but this time with kids! Ahhhhhh!

6. Last but not least. Realizing that family will not always be there for you. That you can not depend on a whole lot of people in this world. I could expand on this but I am working toward releasing my anger instead of mulling around in it. My main goal is just removing myself from the situations that cause the anger.

New Year's Resolutions

Now that I have finished my 30 before 30 list I am ready to do my New Years Resolution.


1. Continue the running/workout schedule that I have been pretty good about in 2007.
2. Learn to not obsess about things like the house being perfect at all time. I spend to much time doing unimportant things instead of the things I enjoy(you following me?)
3. Work on my 30 before 30 list. This kinda goes without saying but there are specific things I want to cross off in 2008. School, Fitness Certification, some of the trips are things that need to be taken care of in 08!
4. Find a babysitter and begin regular dates with Chris. Yes this was also listed before but needs to be repeated. The biggest part of this is finding a babysitter. Something I have always found very difficult. Could this mean I need to be more involved? Yes!
5. Get a new Car! I have payed off this one, drove it and drove it some more. I want a new one! Like an XTerra!
6. Do not light up!- That means do not slip back into smoking. Its not worth it, I have come to far!
7. Blog more. I want to do more creative writing, and push myself. I enjoy it and do not understand why I have such trouble doing it. I am going to keep a list of ideas and topics to inspire me in writing.
8. The little things. I want to be aware of them. Write them down. Journal them. My kids do special things all the time, my family has special moments. I want to remember them!
9. Continue paying off my debt. I am almost there and I love the feeling. If I can keep with it, This could be done by May!
10. Cook-Sounds simple, but I have let myself believe it is a chore and I do not enjoy it. I used to enjoy it. I want to find away to get back to it.

30 Things before I turn 30

Now I have been thinking about this list for a long time. I don't feel like I have enough time to get it all done, but maybe just writing out the goals will help me work towards them. So with only 20 months to go before I turn 30, here is my list. I hope to cross each one off, write about it here, and if I am not able to get something done I hope to have a plan in place to help me achieve it as soon as possible. Oh and these are in no particular order, just how they came out of my head.

1. Go abroad-There are plans for this in fall of 08. DH and I are planning a trip to Italy!
2. Learn the basics for said country-again, I have set the wheels in motion for this, but now its time to actually read the books and listen to the tapes.
3. Go back to school and work on finishing up my general studies- I am shooting for Fall here.
4. Catch up on all things scrapbooking-This means all previous years, specialty albums, childhood albums, etc. I want to be working on current years only. I am so tired of the worry that these other things will never get done.
5. Continue my running-This sounds like more of a new years resolution, but really it should be a life long decision to remain active and in shape.
6. Run a marathon- This is my goal, I have run a 10k, I want to do a 1/2 in 2008, and the plan is to do the AZ Rock in Roll Marathon in January 2009.
7. Work on group fitness certification-This is seperate from going back to school. This is a field certification that can be obtained with a little studying and testing. Then I can go and teach in a gym. I would like to do group fitness/spinning/possibly yoga
8. Take my husband to Half Moon Bay, CA- He has never seen this beautiful place and I wish to take him there and drive down Hwy 1, hopefully in the fall. Stop at the little pumpkin festivals along the way, taking our time and enjoying all that this route has to offer.
9. Go to San Franciso-This could technically be done on the same trip as Half Moon Bay, but who knows, I love California so much I may want to break up the trips.
10. Visit Big Sky Country- Maybe even ski! We will see. I have a friend who lives up there and so does Chris. So It would be great to go to this area that I have never seen and be around friends as well.
11. Buy a mountain Bike- There are alot of races and fun things to explore if I could get into this hobby.
12. Go Kayacking- I live in AZ for goodness sake, there is so much to see and explore. By water, land or air!
13. Learn what it takes to be the house that is the kid friendly house-You know what I mean, I want the kids and their friends to want to be at my house. There are multiple reasons for this. For one, I am always in contact with my kids and know what they are into, and I wish to build a relationship with my kids that is close and open.
14. Get a dog- I do not have any pets, my cat is now living with my parents(long story) but I wish to have a dog. I want a small one, Chris a big one. So we are comprimising and getting a small dog. LOL. Actually I told him that when we knew his schedule better and would stay in a house longer than a few months then yes he could get a bigger dog. But for now , I have my name on the list for a morkie(Maltese/Yorkie).
15. Set up a fish tank..........again. Chris wants salt water which I am okay with, but here again....we need to stay in one place for awhile!
16. Do a fun/run/walk/ with the kids for a good cause
17. Sky Dive- Not by myself. No thanks, with someone attached to me and I think Chris will join
18. Continue paying off Debt- including student loans
19. Spend a anniversary together with my husband-This has not happened for us in 6 years! We have only been married 7!
20. Get into the habit of a girls night out-Seriously Laura, when I get home, seriously!!! I miss you--Oh and side note to this, we are going to get tickets to see Wicked and hopefully Mama Mia again!
21. Go on regular dates with my husband- No we have never done this. I need a babysitter!
22. Get in the car and drive somewhere for the weekend-no plans, no direction, just go!
23. Attend a SS retreat
24. Better yet, host a SS retreat-There is a ton of us in AZ and CA....its doable!
25. See Jimmy Buffett in concert....again-Now I know technically I have already done this..3 times but it just gets better and better and I hope in the next 2 years I can do it again!
26.Wine taste in California- I would love to go and stay at a vineyard and do this!
27. Ride a motorcycle- Yes I have done this, but it has been a really long time. Chris wants one so maybe it will be his I am riding!
28. Get another tattoo-I want one on the wrist or neck and I want it to be celtic in design with Chris name entwined in it.
29. Go back to Mexico- Hopefully with someone that knows it better!- Ivan and Krysten I am counting on you guys for this. I would love to see all those things I saw pictures of!
30. Vegas Baby!-- for more than 24 hours. This is the key factor. I got no sleep last time because we tried to squeeze it all in in such a short time frame. Also included in this trip is a shocking show(more shocking than Wayne Newton!) Chris and I are thinking of that Vampire Kiss show....I wonder if it is still playing.

Okay , there they are! Here is to crossing these off !

More charms I have been working on

These are all my charms I have been working on for different jewelry swaps. I really wanted to branch out and start really altering things. I am quite proud of the bingo charm. The others were more simple and had set themes. Two of these charms are wine charms. I am excited to be doing a swap like this. Mainly because I am always in need of these little wine charms. The charm with the shells is for a Margarita swap. I love this charm but I may think twice before working with shells again!

Chris' Christmas Greeting

I am adding it here. I wanted to take it off myspace but needed to save it somewhere. I was so lucky to find these soldier greetings online because there was no way I would see it on the tv. Chris cracks me up in this video , he was so nervous. But I am very lucky to have it.

Info about me(Thanks Krysten)

Four Things You May or May Not Know About Me


Four jobs I have had in my life:

1.Store Manager at Movie Gallery in Alabama
2. Waitress- Macoroni Grill in Montgomery, AL
3. 1-800-Fly(something), booking flights -Tampa, FL
4. Education Coordinator for Joanns Fabric Store-Phoenix, AZ

Four movies I would watch over and over:

1. Pride and Prejudice(does not matter which version)
2. Office Space
3. Christmas VAcation (it does not have to be Christmas)
4. Ella Enchanted

Four places I have lived:

1. Tampa, FL
2. Phoenix, AZ
3. Prescott, AZ
4. Troy, AL

Four TV Shows that I watch:

1. Gray's Anatomy
2. Moonlight
3. Blood Ties
4. American Idol

Four places I have been:

1. Outer BAnks, NC
2. Casa de Fruta, Half moon Bay, CA
3. Rocky Point , Mexico
4. Treasure Island, FL

People who email me regularly:

1. Chris
2. Laura
3. Tavia
4. Kylene


Four of my favorite foods:

1. pecan divinity
2. grilled zucchinni marinated in queen creek olive oil
3. R&R pizza with Ranch!(right laura)
4. Coffee....okay technically not food, but Love, Love, Love coffee

Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Arizona
2. California
3. the beach
4. With Chris.....I don't care where!



Things I am looking forward to this year
1. Chris coming home from deployment
2. Moving home to Arizona
3. Going to Italy in November
4. Going to Vegas with Chris

Passing the time

One thing I have been doing to pass the time is embarking on a new hobby! I have gotten into the world of jewelry charm swapping. Don't know what this is, just Google. It is awesome. I was involved in the very first one done on Scrapshare and now have 4 more going! The first one is a Christmas Charm Bracelet. 25 unique charms made by ladies on SS. I can't wait to get working on my others. They are due after the 1st of the year. This time I even doing wine charms. Now I have never been able to get myself involved in swapping online(scrapbooking) but this....well I am hooked. And hey, its makes those days go by fast!

99 Bottles of Beer on the wall .....I mean until DH comes home!

I just took the 100 day tag off of our "Countdown until Daddy comes home" wall hanging. I can't believe what an impact it had on me. I have been so BAH HUMBUG this entire holiday season. I still have a week and a half to go. I have always loved Christmas, but it holds nothing for me this year. I just want it to come and go. My daugter turns 4 on Christmas Eve and my son recently turned 7. Where did this year go. I think back on it and it all feels so surreal. Like I watching a movie. I don't know how my life will be when he returns but I hope I can wake up from this way of living. I don't want everything to pass by and not live each day the way I should. I know I have to find away to exist when he is gone. It not going to be the last time I have to endure something like this. I am glad that I can now see a light at the end of this tunnel. Double Digits. He will be here before I know it. I can not wait to have our family back together.

My 10 year class reunion if you could call it that! (the reason why the previous post was so appropriate!)

This weekend was the weekend I had anticipated for a while now. I have no idea why. Why was I so concerned over what I looked like, or who showed up. I was not alone. I went with a couple girlfriends and we had a decent time, mostly together. We all had the same worries. You should have seen us getting out of the car. They had a table set up with name tags and our senior pic. Yeah! I did not RSVP so I did not have one! Woohoo!(My senior pic was horrible!) We walk in and there was maybe 25 classmates there. We all kind of stood around not wanting to make the first move. Some girls started walking around. These girls were the ones that never spoke a day in their high school career to me. " We are walking around breaking up the little clicks so we all can get to know each other" Insert my mouth dropping here! I thought why did they not do that 10 years ago. Well we all took turns answering the " what have you been doing for 10 years" question. Thank God for wine! Well soon most everyone had dissapeared and went in the house to watch the football game. Yes you read that right. The reunion was at a lakehouse about 45 minutes from where we graduated. It was set up nice with a lighted tent right on the water. There was great food, a radio for entertainment( I know laughing now). Those that stayed out at the tent seem to have a decent time. About 9:30 pm the game ended and those that were inside came out and started cleaning up our plates and drinks and pulled up the table cloths. " Oh, so and so is leaving and these are her table cloths." It was so tacky. Some people never change. Not that I expected them to. Well what was left of the group, gathered around the fire and had a great time catching up. That was the best part. I am glad I went. I am glad it over though. I am glad that I was one of the ones that showed despite how I felt about it. There were so many (that we knew) that came up with such lame excuses for not being there. It was just fear. Well there was nothing to fear and nothing to be worried about. My motto lately fits so appropriately here: " In the end,so much of it does not seem to matter" Here is a pic of the georgeous girls I went with this weekend! I am the blonde.

(Blog Challenge) Senior Moments~ This is so appropriate!

Our assignment is to reach back to our senior year (1997) and answer the following questions.


1. Who was your best friend? Liz, Stacey

2. Did you play any sports? Nope

3. What kind of car did you drive? I mostly just rode with friends. I did sometimes use my parents but I did not have my own car.

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Hanging out with friends. Occsionally we would go to football games.

5. Were you a party animal? uh, yes!

6. Were you considered a flirt? I doubt it

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? chorus

8. Were you a nerd? no, I just kinda blended in, I think

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? no.

10. Can you sing the fight song? no

11. Who was your favorite teacher? 1st period English-Mrs. Daniels. She totally ignored that we were always late and came in with a cloud of smoke!

12. What was your school mascot? Raiders

13. Did you go to the Prom? Yes, it sucked

14. If you could go back, would you? No way!

15. What do you remember most about graduation? That is was not memorable!

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? I do not remember

17. Did you have a job your senior year? yes, Paradise Video

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? The cafeteria

19. Have you gained weight since then? No, I think I look better!

20. What did you do after high school? spent a year without direction, went to Troy State, met my husband, moved to FL after he graduated, got married, had a son.

In his absence.

You know the little things you don't really pay attention to when someone is always there. Well, as the months go by I am beginning to notice them, or is it forget? Last night I turned out my light(it was really late) my daughter came in and crawled in bed with me. She was so warm, and she curled up right against my back. Back to back we slept. I don't mind her sleeping with me, sometimes it helps. Chris is one of the guys he likes to curl around me and hold me as tight as possible for the whole of the night. Usually I wake up in a sweat and feeling a little confined. Now don't get me wrong , I love to sleep with his arms around me, but you know how warm men tend to be when they sleep! Although I would gladly suffer through the sauna to feel it again. It has been so long. He has been gone now 7 months. Yes we saw him in March, but time was so short and limited. I will not feel those arms wrapped around me for another 5 months. I really underestimated the value of human touch. Yes my kids hug me and crawl in bed with me, and snuggle, but it is not the same as him. I miss him. Last night as my daughter snuggled back to back with me, I closed my eyes, pushed the tears back, and tried to remember.

2 Things

JUST TWO THINGS
thought I would add this here since I have not posted in awhile. Thanks to Basketlady on Scrapshare!


Two names you go by:

1. Mom
2. Bry

Two things you are wearing right now:

1. a black shirt
2. capris

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:

1. respect
2. laughter/fun

Two things you like to do:

1. go out with friends
2. scrapbook

Two things you want really bad right now:
1. DH!
2. nap

Two things you did last night:

1. surfed internet
2. read

Two things you ate today:

1. hot wings
2. banana chips

Two people you last talked to:

1. a friend
2. DD

Two things you're doing tomorrow:

1. running
2. ?

Two longest car rides:

1. AL-AZ
2. vice versa

Two favorite holidays:

1. Christmas
2. halloween

Two favorite beverages:

1. rum and fresca
2. water

Two things about me that you may not have known:

1. I have my tongue peirced
2. I love sailboats/sailing

Two jobs I have had in my life:

1. lifeguard
2. waitress

Two Movies I would watch over and over:

1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Christmas Vacation

Places I have lived:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona

Two of my favorite foods:

1. any and all seafood
2. Loaded baked Potatoe(preferably from Big Bob Gibsons!)

trying to reason with the 6th month mark

Today is 6 months ago. It was January 6th when Chris got on that plane and headed to Ft. Bragg. Yes, I know I got to see him for a brief time in March. But it is not the same as being together, as a family, at home. It is hard to believe that so much time has passed and it still seems like so much is left to endure. 9 more months to be exact. I will get him for 2 short weeks in January. But even that is 7 more months away. I am so down tonight. I have been looking at the pictures of that morning he left, with a little help from some white zinfandel. Just looking at those pictures and the expressions on our faces is heartbreaking. I remember thinking "this is not happening". Can I just close my eyes and wish it all away. It was like watching a movie but I was the main character. Every part of me physically hurt and it still does. Sometimes I think if I can stay busy enough the emotions and feelings will not catch up to me. I know that it can not be stopped. I just want him home. I want to be near him. I don't want to feel this deep void. The truth is there is nothing I can do to escape it. He will stay gone no matter how I feel, no matter how many activities I put in my dayplanner, no matter what. The only thing that can be done is to endure and I guess I will.

7 years!

Today is my anniversary, and well at least I can say I am not breaking tradition. We have never spent a anniversary together and we sure as heck did not spend this one together. He did send me flowers and a cd he made for me. It was all pictures he had on his computer and he put our song to it and a message. It was so awesome, I cried! Time really has passed by so quickly. I think back to where we were in that time. I look at pictures and laugh at how young we looked. I remember how it felt to stand on the side walk in front of the justice of peace. I do not remember the vows, in fact I do not remember a bit about it. There we were, Chris in a shirt and tie, and me in that blue dress. No witnesses not even a person passing in the parking lot. Just us on the side walk saying our vows. And who knew it would last this long. Not me for one. I had doubts, I was insecure. But not anymore. I can say that all those doubts faded with time. I know that I made the best decision of my life that day. I married the person I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with. No one will remember my wedding, I will never have a white dress to hand down to my daughter, I will not ever make a wedding scrapbook, but what I will remember is the years we share together. How happy we always are. How much love is always surrounding us. So few have what we have and that is good enough for me.

BLOG CHALLENGE: stream of conciousness

I got new cd's in today. I went against my better judgement a few weeks ago and ordered from BMG. I had just been noticing that there were quite a few cd's I had been wanting, so there I went. So while browsing the music online. One caught my eye. Well not one, many(I do love music!) But this one particular because it reminds me of Laura. The cd is of course Abba. I say of course because if you know Laura, then you know Abba. The two come hand in hand. I knew and liked Abba before I met Laura, just maybe not to this extent. A couple years ago, I went with Laura and another friend to see the play Mama Mia. I can not say enough about this play. If you get the chance to see it, GO! I walked out of there a honest to goodness Abba fan! Now everyone knows the favorites, like Waterloo and Dancing Queen. But I walked out of there with new favorites. Like Mama Mia and Knowing me, knowing you. I also walked out of there playing the "air" piano everytime they did during Dancing Queen. So anyway, I got the greatest hits cd in today. Big smile spread across my face when I opened the mail box. I have been feeling down all day because tommorrow is my anniversary and Chris is overseas. I am not sad and depressed, just a little down. I got flowers in today from him and that was such a nice surprise. But that is just the kind of guy he is. I also talked to Laura today. I miss her as well. She was headed to "our" scrapbook retreat up in the mountains of AZ. I am so jealous! Well back to my subject of Abba. I popped it in this evening while taking Rye to VBS. Dancing Queen came on and immediately I had a smile and was singing at the top of my lungs. My kids thought I was crazy. But of course I did the same when Mama Mia, Take a chance on me, and Chiquitita came on. I think I remembered all the hand moves Laura has for them too. In those moments driving, I tuned everything out and chanelled her. She can always make me laugh and that is exactly what she did tonight. Later on when I was putting my son to bed he looked up and said hey mom did that song say " Dancing Queen, Lima Bean"? We will have to educate the little guy in the ways of Abba some other time. I mean there is so few people that can understand it anyway. :)

-Dancing Queen
-

Blog challenge-Bryology

ARCHAEOLOGY: the study of material remains
What's the oldest article of clothing you still wear? hmm, not sure, I am pretty good at throwing most of my clothes out
What's the oldest article of clothing you won't get rid of? Old dance tshirt
When was the house/building you live in built? In the 90's
What in your fridge needs to be thrown out? eggs(did that this morning)

BIBLIOLOGY: the study of publication
What are you reading? Dragonfly and Amber, Darcy and Elizabeth, and I am waiting on the new Janet Evanovich to come out
Do you have a favorite quote? " I never saw a wild thing feel sorry for itself" (Self pity by D.H. Lawrence
What's the most recent music you purchased? I just got a order in from BMG, some Nelly Furtado, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, and a few others
What book could you read again without being bored?

CARDIOLOGY: the study of the heart
How old were you the first time you fell in love? I thought 15 or 16 but realized later I did not until I met my husband at 20
What charities do you have a heart for? Save the Manatees
What's the best way someone can show their love for you? don't try to change me, embrace the person I am
Name five things you "love": Chris, my kids, the ocean, Sweets, Christmas

PHYSIOLOGY: the study of physical function
Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Do you like your smile? sometimes, I tend not to smile very big in pictures though
What's your best feature? my eyes
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? no , well maybe part of my left arm during reconstructive surgery
Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? smell

OMNOLOGY: the study of everything
What color do you think looks best on you? red/coral/beige
Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? I can't remember
What's your favorite flavor of gum? juicy fruit
Where's the first place you went today? to the coffeepot
Do you stand or sit in the shower? LOL, love this question, because I am a shower sitter!

AXIOLOGY: the study of the nature of values and value judgments
Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? yes
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? yes
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? yes
What value is of utmost importance to you in a friend? someone who can let loose, be them selves and have fun!
Would you accept an indecent proposal for $1,000,000? hmm, probably not

TECHNOLOGY: usage and knowledge of tools
What's the last movie you saw? I started watching the Brothers Grimm
What's the first website you visit when you log on? hotmail
What's your ring tone? fergelicious
Would you quit blogging for $25,000? sure, don't do it that often anyway
What piece of equipment do you wish you owned? a Ipod

GENEALOGY: the study of relationships within families
Is there a specific family member you're really missing right now? my husband Chris
Who is your oldest living relative? I guess a great aunt who is about to turn 100
Are you named after anyone? no
Is there anyone really famous in your family tree? no

Blogger Challenge: Laugh

This week, write about the last time you had a really good laugh. A belly laugh. A laugh that took your breath away. A laugh that starved you of oxygen and gave you a headache. A laugh where you tossed your head back and really let 'er rip.

If you can't recall a time when you've laughed that hard, then figure out WHY NOT, and write about that.


So, I have really been very bad at keeping up with this blogger challenge, let alone writing creatively on my own. Everything that has been going on in my life has been a challenge. Leaving Arizona, Chris going to Ft. Bragg, getting to spend a short time with him, and then him leaving for his overseas destination. All of it is taking a toll. Today, I checked the challenge and it made me realize how long it really had been since I laughed. Not a laugh at a movie, or giggle at something one of my kids did, but a all out laugh. It really has not been that long but it was under the circumstances of which it occured. You see I have great friends. They live all over but there are two that I especially hold dear to my heart. One I have known for a short time, one for a life time. The two are so different. Kylene and I reconnected over myspace. The last time we had seen each other was college, but once we reconnected it was like time had not passed. And though we have never been best friends, she is a good one. Through countless phone calls we got to know each other and she decided to drive from Arizona to Alabama with me when I moved in January. I was driving by myself after my husband's unit deployed. She decided to join me. I was so grateful. Stacey, the friend I have known so much longer and love so dearly decided to join us too. Stacey is what I call my best friend. Friends for life will always be us. We met in the 6th grade in the bathroom of all places. And the rest is well like they say history. Well these two friends of mine flew out to Arizona, held me while I waved goodbye to my husband, and dried my tears when the damn finally broke. Nothing can prepare you for that feeling of loss. Slowly we walked to my car, got in and began our own trek across country. It was during that trip that I felt so much emotion. The first day I was depressed , barely uttering a sound. The girls chatted and took turns driving. Neither one pressing me for any more. Over the next several hours, hotel rooms, and miles we all got to know each other better and learned about each other lives on a deeper level. There were arguments(mostly due to be overly tired), there were adventures(like the detour to Riverwalk in San Antonio), there were all out heart to heart cries. But there was also Laughs. Big ones that take you breath away. All out belly laughs. At the time we concluded they were only because of delirium. Turns out they were more. Those laughs help me overcome the grief and depression I would have felt if I had been alone. I never would have made it alone. I thank God for the two of them. I wish I could remember what some of those belly laughs were about, but the important thing was that they happened. I have the pictures to prove it!

Blog Challenge:First

When is the first time you...


fell in love ? 10th grade or so I thought. It was my first boyfriend and we were together a really long time. Then I moved away, and we got back together when I moved home and I believed I loved him. But know that I am married, I believe that I never really knew the true meaning and feeling of love until my husband.



lost someone close to you? When I was 13, I lost my grandmother.


drank alcohol? Middle school, (shaking my head at the memory)

got kissed? Middle school(spin the bottle)

went to the hospital? In 4th grade, I broke my arm and had reconstructive surgury, stayed for a week.

got your heart broken? After high school, boyfriend and I broke up after a year and half.

lost a pet? young child(mayber 1st grade)We lost our family dog Katie

smoked a cigarette? high school

broke a bone? 3rd grade-arm

got a job?summer between 10th and 11th grade

got cheated on? Don't remember

rode the city bus? Phoenix, AZ 10th grade

went to a concert? First concert was Michael Bolton not sure when that was

Met someone famous?

dyed your hair? 16

got your own cell phone? In my early 20's

snuck out the house? 15

drove a car?15

got your own digital camera? 24

how old are you now? 27

Blog Challenge:Life Songs

It is so amazing how a song can remind you of a special time, place, or person. A few notes and you are transported. I heard some elevator music not to long ago that was a old New Kids on the Block ballad. I had to laugh thinking how "hot" they were and now it was elevator music. I was transported to my best friends backyard. We would blast the New Kids on the radio and sing along while practicing the moves! Later in High School it was rap for me. I hardly ever listen to rap anymore but there is this great radio in Phoenix that does "Old School" at noon. I find myself tuning in sometimes just for a laugh. My husband always laughs at the fact I know all the words by memory still. These days I listen mostly to country or classic rock. There are so many songs that take me back to different people in my life. Steelers Wheel always will remind me of my best friend Stacey. "Stuck in the middle with you" is our song! There is even a dance we do everytime we hear it.

Through all the different types of music I have changed to, there is one singer who always has remained. I was introduced to this singer so many years ago. The first song I heard of his was "Cheeseburger in Paradise". You must know who I am talking about. Jimmy Buffett! I love him. He is timeless. My love affair with his music will last a life time. My husband shares my affection for him as well. We he comes to town, you will find us standing in line to get concert tickets. Before Chris and I had children we would fall asleep everynight listening to Ballads from his box set. One song became our song. Survive. You see, Chris is in the military. He is a full time National Guard. Which means there is no other civilian job. He works everyday as a soldier. So as long as I have known him there has been weeks and months that we have spent apart. And it is always hard. It never seems to get easier. 7 years later he is looking at his first overseas deployment. January 6 he left for Ft. Bragg, NC and from there he will be on to Afghanistan. It happened so fast that neither us could catch our breath. I decided to move to Alabama with our 2 children. While no one wants to move home with mom and dad again it will be good to have the help and company. The kids will enjoy it as well. But I miss him.I do not know how to get through the next 15 months with out him. I put on a brave face and I go through the motions of the day. But I feel like my heart is breaking. But I do know that I will Survive. We will Survive. I have not listened to this song since he left. But maybe it is time. Perhaps tonight I will fall asleep listening to our song and maybe I can dream about sipping champagne and breaking into smiles.

"Survive, stay alive, till I see you again, Survive......"

Blogger Challenge:Fill in the Blank

1. My current favorite song is: Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift or Next time he cheats by Carrie Underwood.

2. The last book I read was: Can't remember any names, probably a short romance novel.

3. The last book I bought was:Days and nights with Elizabeth and Darcy. Continuing story of Pride and Prejudice.

4. The last cd I bought was: Rascal Flatts

5. Another CD I wanted but didn't buy is: Sugarland

6. Right now, I'm wearing: soft pants and sweatshirt

7. The last gift I bought was: Cd players for my kids

8. The last time I laughed heartily and loudly: I am not sure I remember, which is sad.

9. My favorite holiday ornament is: The margaritaville ornament. One of the first ones Chris and I bought together.

10. My house smells like: a tree candle I had burning.

11. The first thing on my to-do list tomorrow is: I have not thought that far ahead.

12. If I could sit on Santa's lap and believe that he'd bring me whatever toy I wished for, I'd ask for: Anything? A new truck!

13. If I could holiday shop in ONE store, all expenses paid, I'd shop at: I am not sure if I could only pick one store.

14. If an angel alighted on my doorstep today and said, "I'm here to grant a Christmas wish," I'd wish for: The war to be over, troops to come home, and my husband not to have to go to Afghanistan in January.

15. When I see a bell ringer while out shopping, I: Try to put money in.
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