The shopping wasnt' so mellow...and neither was my ninja attitude

It's Tuesday and yes, yes, I know I'm a little late with my "weekend update" that I'm so sure so many of you give a crap about.... but anyways.... 

I was afraid I was going to have to cut someone on Saturday afternoon.  Because... as many of you already know I got new appliances and sold all of my old one's using the freaking ever fabulous facebook as a sales tool.... Anyway, my stove is literally less than a year old, I've cooked on it maybe 20 times and it's $600 new, so I figured $300 was  a very reasonable figure for a practically new, GE ceramic cooktop, that I was willing to deliver to you!... So some  girl messages me and says, "what's the lowest  you'll take"... I go through the same blah blah it's practically new, i'll deliver it to you, blah blah blah $300!!! So she says if you'll hold it til Saturday I'll meet you to get it.  So I have my husband load this pain in the arse stove into his truck and haul it to meet this girl... and she says "i'll give you $250 man, this thing is dirty..." I TURN INTO THE HULK! I'm like WTF you must be joking me.....So I proceed to tell her that yes, it has been cooked on, yes it is used, and I held this freaking thing for her for two days, had two other offers on it, and I wasn't taking $250...Not to mention the fact that I scrubbed this thing with an F-ing razor blade to get any possible grime off it (this thing was NOT DIRTY, IT'S BARELY BEEN USED)... I was fully prepared to push it back into the bed of the truck and take it right back home I was so furious.... so she looks it over... and say's well I guess it's ok I'll just take it home and make it shine.... UGH! This coming from a girl with a piercing between her boobs, like she is so much cleaner than me.... Enjoy your stove and I'll enjoy your money. 

Then The hubs, baby, and I decided to take a VERY last minute trip to Tennessee to do some Christmas shopping on Saturday.  Can I just say... I will never ever return to Pigeon Forge Tanger Outlet's this close to Christmas ever again! You would think American Eagle was selling water from a real fountain of youth, the people, the crowds, the mixed up jeans, the HORROR! Not to mention the fact that Adam and I got into a HUGE argument in the middle of the store over the use of the freaking coupons... literally anxiety attack central.... Then we had a delightful dinner at the mellow mushroom (first time eating there) and it was a fantastic pizza experience (changed my whole mood, it really did).

And we did get the chance to look at some beautiful lights! so here is our Christmas light show for the year... hope you enjoy! 

We are not handy...

 It's been about a year since we moved into our new home!  And we have been doing a lot of work as we go along.  This home was such a blessing to us! A HUGE Blessing! For Christmas Adam got me new appliances... can you say husband of the year.... 

That being said I wanted to share with you what our kitchen looked like when we first moved in and what it looks like now.

So here is the before: 

 
Yes those counter tops are Christmas tree green, the back splash is apples! The cabinets and floors are gorgeous; but needless to say the countertops and apples had to go, and those light fixtures..... oh my.  There was nothing in the world wrong with the appliances, they came with the house, again HUGE blessing! But over time I grew to HATE my refrigerator! Side-by-side stinks! I couldn't fit anything in there! So my sweet hubby got tired of hearing me complain and he talked me into new stuff... I'm a tight wad so it took eight months worth of pondering and looking before we decided to take the new appliance plunge.  But yesterday they arrived! 

Beautiful stainless FINGER-PRINT-LESS steel! AHHHH! 

Then came putting them in their respective places; which, if you have ever been around my husband and I while doing a project you know it ALWAYS ends in an argument.... So, after a few huffs, puffs, and eye rolls.... we got everything in! 

I don't know why these freaking pictures keep refusing to rotate even after I save them but anyways... turn your head to the side and see the changes! New rock back splash was completed about last spring, the new counter tops were completed a few months after moving in as were the lights... and now the AMAZING appliances have completed this beautiful kitchen.  I have to give a shout out to my girl Jenn over at Sweet Life of a Southern Wife because her awesome husband L.T hooked us up through his appliance store, Macon Appliance! So if you need anything go see L.T he's the best!

SANTA!!!!! I know him.....

Getting into the Christmas spirit was my main priority this weekend and boy was this mission accomplished! We had an absolutely fantastic weekend.

For those of you who don't know we live in a very small (yet AMAZING) town.  Our stores consist of Wal-mart (which I now call the seventh circle of hell, because we just upgraded to wal-mart market, which sucks! and there is this horrible round-about traffic pattern to get there, and I just hate it)... Big Lots... and Kmart.  So, after going to all three stores (on a crazy mission for "my first christmas" ornaments) our mission for finding these "golden bricks" was complete!  Literally nobody stocks "my first Christmas" ornaments anymore, well, except Kmart.  So, we did some awesome decorating.  Which, I am super thrilled about our tree this year because this is the first year I've had a tree three feet taller than me! eeeek! So here are a few pictures of our decorating fun!  And we also went to the Casino for dinner last night at the Chef's Stage which was AMAZING! So the picture of me and Cray in front of the giant wreath (this is not in my home) was outside the restaurant.  Oh, and some of my pictures didn't save when I rotated them so just turn your head to the side and pretend they are upright! Merry Christmas!

I did not make this (BigLots purchase)

I did make this, thanks to pinterest.

Sorry this picture is sideways I thought I adjusted it... oh well

We just put his ornament on.

This is our tree. again, sorry for the crookedness

Cray's first ornament

E's first ornament

Mine and Adam's ornaments.  I've literally had these things for years.

All of our stockings... except Tanyr's... sorry tan tan I'll get yours soon!

Tales from a Tuesday...

I didn't do a weekend up date so here's how it went:

Date night with my sister

Birthday Party

Baby Shower

Jewelry Party

Church

Birthday Party 

Church

Sunday Dinner at my mom's

.CRAZY. BUSY. TOO SHORT. WEEKEND.

Although, I did get an AMAZING necklace from the jewelry party which I'm hoping to share with all of you in 7-10 days (shipping blah!).  

On a not so crazy TRYPTOPHAN come note.  We had our annual dealership luncheon today.  And I made two DELICIOUS contributions to the menu; which I am going to share with all of you.  Please note I took these pictures after they had both been almost completely eaten.  Just to prove that my food is edible and most of the time pretty good..... I mean most people put pictures of food before anyone has touched it which I find questionable because one of two things comes to mind: 1. how do you know it's good if you haven't broke into it yet and 2. how do you even know whether or not anyone truly ate that dish??? 

So... without further adieu.....

These were my stuffed peppers.... 

 Recipe:

About 10 Jalapeno Peppers slicked in half and take the seeds out

1 Jimmy Dean regular sausage

1 8oz package cream cheese

1 cup Parmesan cheese

Prep:

Cook Sausage until brown (edible)

Mix Sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.  Stuff the peppers.  Cover with foil.  Bake on 375 degrees for 30 minutes covered or until peppers begin to soften, and then bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

ENJOY!

And This is what was left of my chocolate trifle, or black stuff as I used to call it as a kid! 

You'll need 

1 Standard chocolate cake mix

2 regular size instant chocolate puddings

1 Large 16oz tub whip cream.

Bake your cake as it states on the box and let cool.

Make your pudding as it states on the box and let chill.

Then Layer in a punch bowl repeatedly cake, pudding, whip cream until all of your contents fill the bowl.  

Sprinkle chocolate chips on the top and call it a day! 

SO EASY EVEN I CAN DO IT!

Today I remember....

I just had to do this tribute today to a very special person.... many of you following me won't know this man, which is a shame, because he was one of the best souls you would ever meet.  When I knew him, I never knew him as my father in law, or my son's papaw, I just knew him as my boyfriend's dad....So, as you can tell from my previous statement time has passed since I met this man and many things have changed since he has been gone.  His son has become my husband, we have moved into a beautiful home together, we have had a child... and while all of these things are wonderful milestones in someone's life; these are all a little bittersweet because we are unable to share them with a man we loved so dearly.... About 8 years ago Ray was diagnosed with cancer.  He fought a long hard battle and on November 15, 2009, Ray went to meet our Father, and became the most magnificent angel, forever free from all pain.  So I wanted to share with all of you what made this man so special to me and what makes him so dear to each of us, even today when all we have left are the memories, and the comfort that he is with our Father in heaven.  Please enjoy this little glimpse of him....  

This is Ray Tallent.

 This is his beautiful family:

 These are some songs he used to sing:

Chantilly Lace

Lemon Tree

He used to have the FUNNIEST jokes and was always telling one!  He always had candy for kids at church.  He would get on eating kicks and eat the same thing for days.  He was an avid gun and knife trader.  He would always go to the flea market to sell axes, guns, knives and anything else... He was part of the Good Ole Boys... He loved to go have breakfast; any time we would go on vacation we had to have breakfast... He loved to watch sports with Adam... It's funny now that I look back there was probably a few times he's the only one that truly believed in Adam and I...He had this way of making you feel like you had your own special bond with him (even if you really weren't that close).

He was always sweet to me. 

He was always sweet to everybody.

I know this will be a lot of photos but this is a tribute right....

And while there have been several things he hasn't got to see in person....

We know that he was there with us in spirit.... 

Always in our hearts forever.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.  

~From a headstone in Ireland

 

Quarantined

I've been absent the last few days from the world in general.  My home literally should have been 

QUARANTINED.

Seriously, someone should have came to my house dressed like this:

 with signs like this: 

 

It all started Wednesday when my sister got the stomach bug.... then I had it by late Wednesday night.  My son, Cray, had it by Thursday afternoon, my husband had it by Thursday night and on into Friday.... by Friday evening my grandmother, uncle Randy, and uncle Scott all had this UNRULY virus, and Saturday my mom got it!  Literally fastest and most contagious thing I think I've ever seen....

Followed by Sunday, my son who is only seven months old got a fever of about 102.8 and ran that until Tuesday! They couldn't figure out what was wrong with the little guy.  And for all you moms out there who have ever had to endure holding your sweet baby down while two nurses try to draw blood from both arms, and then do a heel prick, well.... you know what I went though Monday.  
But this little guy (in the midst of his sickness)....

Was such a brave little trooper.  

He had so many people praying for him.  That after three days of running a super high fever, clinging to mommy, and being miserable; he is finally better and back to his old self....So thanks to everyone who called, text, or said a little prayer for my main man... and may all of your children/families have a healthy holiday season :)
 

The Tuesday Blurb

Sorry that I have been MIA so far this week!  I haven't done a weekend recap, let anyone know who I'm voting for, or said anything at all! So I'm going to try and do a quick rundown!

WEEKEND:
My weekend was totally awesome! My husband who had been gone to Canada hunting for 10 days finally came in late Saturday night.  Full grown hunter's beard!  My son gave him this total "Who the heck are you" look and then burst into laughter when he realized it was daddy; basically flinging himself out of my arms and into his... it was at this moment I realized what an incredibly blessed wife/mother I am.  So, needless to say we spent the entire Sunday being lazy and enjoying each others company.... 

THE VOTE:
Regardless of the facts that I have clearly been bombarded and had my newsfeed blown up with political views (it is astonishing how many people think they will change your views via facebook).  I've watched the debates.  I've seen the commercials. I just cannot for the life of me go to the poles and Vote with a clear conscious.  I've been praying about this election, praying for our country, praying for the candidates, and more than anything praying for the voters to look at the issues that matter, make a Godly decision, and not just base our votes off of party affiliation but off of what is really right.  I heard someone tell me that they felt Romney was the way to go but because they were Democrat thru and thru they'd be voting for Obama... Do what? make an educated choice....make a Godly choice... 

MY WEEK SO FAR...
This week has been a crazy and overwhelming one... it actually all started last Thursday.  I'm not going to elaborate right now but I will say, at exactly the right moment a window will open, a breeze of fresh air will blow through, and God will show you a light and some encouragement..... at just the right time on Monday morning I received a card with this message:
Front: "I don't have to figure out why or how or when.  God has a plan, and I'm committed to it.   That commitment frees me from having to worry about the details. -Barbara Johnson" 
Inside: "Praying God reminds you of His loving care in every part of your life today.  You're so special to him"
And a Note:  Titus tells the older women to "encourage" younger women to love their husbands, and children.  Today I want to encourage you!  Through all the rough days ahead, I will be lifting you, Adam & Cray up to the Throne of Grace.  As part of my "encouragement" here's a gift for you to take the 3 of you out to dinner! - Patti
P.s Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.  1Peter 5:7 NCV

So my weekly advice, surround yourself with Godly women and friends; they seem to be so in tune when you need them, and God will always provide the words when you need to be lifted up. 

Super Excited!

 

I got online this morning to find that I had been nominated for the Liebster Award so a huge thank you to Holly over at Holly Enjoying Life for nominating me.  I am truly NEW to this whole Blogging extravaganza, so seeing that someone enjoys reading about my antics makes my heart smile.  Plus, I'm super excited to follow new people and get new followers as well...  That being said if I fail to follow the rules I apologize but I'll do my best :) 

11 Things About Me:

I'm Blonde

Very Tall "for a girl"

I LOVE sports

I'm a Tarheel, Alabama, Braves, Peyton Manning, and Nick Saban fruit cake! 

I love movies

I'm head over heels in love with my son and my husband

I love to paint and draw/craft even though I'm not phephenomenal at any of it.

I love big Hair

Summer is my favorite

I hate being cold

11 Questions Answered:

1. Do you have any pets? 

Yes 2 dogs Peyton (black lab) and Harley (rat terrier/chihuahua)

2.What is your pet peeve? 
People with NO Common Sense- it's not so common believe me!

3.Favorite Food? 
Hands down- pasta

4.If you could have one thing, could be anything, what would it be? 
If I could have one thing... probably a billion dollars (that should take care of just about anything)... If I could be anything I would want to be a stay at home mom (working all the time stinks).

5.What's your favorite childhood memory?
 My dad was from Melbourne Florida and that is where my grandparent's lived so we would go stay with them and go to Universal Studios which I loved, and still do.

6.Favorite vacation spot, and why?
Destin, FL because the water is so clear, the beaches are beautiful, and the drive isn't too far to dread.

7.Favorite color?
Blue (Tiffany Blue)

8.If there was more time in the day what would you do?
Play with my son 

9.What is or was your favorite car that you've had?
My first car, a 1966 Ford Mustang

10.Favorite Holiday?
My birthday (i've declared it a national Holiday)

11 Questions:
1. What's your favorite season and why?
2.  If you could have any other name what would it be?
3. Dress up or sweatpants?
4.  Favorite dessert?
5.  If you could ask God any question what would it be?
6.  If you could meet any one person who would it be?
7.  Favorite Color?
8.  Short Hair or Long Hair?
9.  Favorite Band of All Time?
10.  If you could have any animal for a Pet what would it be?
11.  If you could drive any car what would you drive?

Nominees:  I'm still filtering and finding blogs that I enjoy so I could only pick six.

Life as Mrs.B
Tales of a Graphic Designer
Girl with the Faux British Accent
Misadventures of the Critically Blonde
Hooah and Hiccups
A Blonde Walked into a Blog

A Tigger's a wonderful thing... right?

Let me just start by showing you the best Halloween lunch date I've ever had :) If you can look at the bottom of the outfit you'll see that his legs stick out too far.... this is because this Skeleton outfit is made for a normal seven month old baby and not an 18lb, "too tall jones" baby.... So now let's move on to the really fun part....

Everyone kept asking me, "are you going to take little man trick-r-treating" and I'm thinking OF COURSE! I mean it's my kid's first halloween right! So somehow I've convinced myself that we just have to take Cray and Ellee trick-r-treating because they can't miss their first halloween, and they'll just be so disappointed if they don't get to go.... so this is what happened.....

OMG! I know!... yes, this is me, I'm tigger.  Yes, that's my sister, she's Eeyore.  Why are we dressed up too? I'm not sure.  I didn't ask myself this question until we were driving from family member house to family member house; and we got to uncle Danny's house and he looked at me like "why the hell are you wearing that".... It wasn't until that point that I realized "the babies aren't big enough to give a crap"..... and it was then, and only then, that I had a reality check, and felt like a total adult moron.... Also, notice that my sister and I are the one's holding the buckets....Not to mention these kids only have but two teeth a piece to eat anything with.... so really, we will end up eating all the candy anyways.  Did I mention at one point I was singing the tigger theme song??!  What is going on here!  I just want to know how do you go from this.....

To this.....

OH WELL..... I wouldn't trade the changes in me for anything in this world.... Happy Halloween (a day late).