Home made stockings

So i went to get the stocking out of the Christmas box to hang up this year and couldn't find them anywhere in the house. So I went out to price them and see what I could afford and couldn't find any decent stocking for a good price so instead I decided to take a risk and make them myself. I got a pattern and all the materials I needed them went to it. It took a couple of tires but all in all them came out great. Not bad for someone who has never used a pattern or sewn anything that didn't have a strait line stitch. Maybe now I will venture out and try something new in sewing. we shall see.

Blog at you later.

Dj suspended

So I have not had a chance to get on here in a couple of days because my computer was down with some kind of bug but now its working again and I can catch you up on what has been going on. So to start, on Friday the 9th I got a call from Dj's school Principal saying that he is fine but he was involved in a fight and for that he will be suspended for three days starting on Monday the 12th. I didn't get any details but as soon as he got home I drilled him for a couple of hours until I got the truth or at least most of it out of him.

I found out that he was part of some fight club called 60 sec. where you match up with another person close to your size and fight for 60 sec. He did this willingly and then on top of it all he did it in a bathroom where someone could have gotten really hurt. Needless to say I was very upset about the whole thing and grounded him until further notice.

As for his punishment he was my slave for the three days he was out of school. He got up at the same time he would if he were going to school and cleaned anything and everything for the first day. The second day he cleaned again and then had to write a 500 word essay on why fighting is wrong and the reason why he will NEVER do it again. Then a 5 paragraph essay on why the bible says you shouldn't fight. Then the third day he cleaned again followed by three hours of Drill Sergeant daddy. Lets just say I think he finally learned his lesson on this one. I don't think he will ever fight in school or get suspended ever again.

Blog at you later.

The End of RFYLH

Well we have finally come to the end of these questions. I know most of you are thinking thank you for many different reasons but to tell the truth I have really enjoyed this process. I hope that you will take the questions and do the same on your blog or just in a journal so that your future generations will know a little bit about you and your past. Keep blogging or Journaling and I will to.

Blog at you later.

Day 53 of RFYLH

Question #53

What is the most wonderful thing that ever happen to you? The worst?

Well the best thing that ever happen to me would have to be meeting my husband and having our kids. I know it sounds corny but its true. I don't know where I would be without them. The worst thing that ever happen to me so far has not happened and I hope will never happen. So Im not even going to say it but if you are a wife and mother you know what I am talking about because more than likely its the worst thing that could happen to you to.

Blog at you later.

Day 52 of RFYLH

Question #52

Tell about your favorite uncle?

Ok well this will be a short post since I do have several uncles but am close to none of them. I don't really know them and there for do not have a favorite uncle.

Blog at you later.

Day 51 of RFYLH

Question # 51

Tell about exciting experences?

I have had a lot of exciting experences in my lifetime. Most of them envolving my family and way to many to talk about on here. But I have always loved the spirt of Christmas. I think one of my favorite times of the year (despite all the stress and me constantly saying I want it to be over already) is when we pick out the tree and bring it home and decorate it as a family. Picking the theme of the tree and just having a good time a family. I really enjoy moments when everyone is happy and getting along. They are few and far between but I love them none the less.

Blog at you later.

Day 50 of RFYLH

Question # 50

Tell about your favorite Aunt.

Well I really only have three that I really know and I love them all but I would have to say my anut Tami is my favorite just because we are the closest. It might have something to do with the fact that we are close in age or that we attend the same church but I think it has to do with the fact that I just bonded with her. Not that I have not spent time with my other aunts and bonded with them but Tami and I just have a different connection.

Blog at you later.

Day 49 of RFYLH

Question #49

Did you have a childhood hideout? Tell about it.

Well I wouldn't call it a hideout because everyone in the neighborhood knew about it. It was the tree house on the other side of the creek that all the kids played in. It was were we spent most of our time when we were not swimming or ridding bikes or making up some game to play.

Blog at you later.

Day 48 of RFYLH

Question #48

Tell a courtship story about your parent. How they met etc... Tell the same about your courtship?

I can honestly say I have no idea about my parents courtship or how they met. It was always a soar subject with both of them by the time I was old enough to really want to know so I never got an answer. That is something I will have to try and get out of my mom or dad one day soon so I can EDIT this blog post.

As for my courtship story, I have told it many times on here but one more wont hurt I'm sure.

I was just out of high school and working at a casino (Isle of Capri) in the hotel as a maid. It was my third day on the job and my first day on my own. I was on the 21st floor I think and was cleaning a room. I took to sheets off the bed and was headed out to my cart to put them in the dirty laundry bag when I saw Dale walk through the security door at the end of the hall. I wasn't really looking to get into another relationship because I had just gotten out of the one with Dominic's father. I thought he was cute but didn't put much thought into it. I went back into the room and was trying to make the bed when he snuck up behind me and scared me by saying "DON'T you think you should be working." I about jumped out of my skin. We both laughed and introduced ourselves. It was his first day in the hotel. He had been working for the casino for awhile but mostly on nights and on the floor but now he was on days and they stuck him in what they called the tower. We talked for about twenty minutes while I finished working on the bed. I told him all about Dominic and that I was a single mom and not really looking for a relationship. He said he was fine with that and that we could just be friends. I was cool with that. As I went out to get something off my cart my supervisor came down the hall so I said goodbye to Dale and went about my day. I thought that would be the last I would see of him since I was not aware of how the security worked in the hotel. I moved on to another floor and went about my day. Finally I saw him again and quickly wrote down my number and the hooked-on-phonics version of how to say my name. (Which he still has laminated to this day). After I gave it to him we talked for a couple of minutes then he went on to lunch. I finished my day and went home. I didn't see him after that didn't hear from him for about a week so I thought he was just one of those guys who tried to see how many numbers he could get in a day. But I was wrong. Turned out he was in the process of moving from Pass Christian to Biloxi and I got a call at about 9:00 at night. I quickly told him I had younger brothers who where still in school so he couldn't call that late. I hung up and my mom said I could call him back it was fine. We talked for about an hour and a half and made plans to go out that Friday. After hanging up with him my mom hands me tickets to The Ultimate Rush ride and said we should use them before they went bad. I called him back and asked if he wanted to go the next night and he said yes. I told him I didn't have a babysitter so I would have to bring Dominic and my little brother along with us. He was fine with it and so we went out. We had a good time and he even got along with my brother well. I met his roommate and we started car pooling and hanging out together. He even babysat for me a couple of times so I could go and hang out with my girlfriends. Eventually we moved in together and started really dating. We had been together maybe 6 months when he first asked me to marry him on the side of the highway. I said Yes but No he had to ask my father first. Which he did and 11 months after meeting we eloped and have been together ever since. We will be celebrating our 12 year anniversary in January and couldn't be happier together.

Blog at you later.

Day 47 of RFYLH

Question #47

Tell about your first crush?

Well anyone who really knows me already knows this story but for those who don't I will tell it again.

I was 8 or 9 and living in that old yellow house in Tehachapi, Ca. He was my next door neighbor and my brothers best friend. We were the same age and in the same grade. His name was Andy Iyler. I really only remember his name because it would later become a name that I ended up dating a lot. Well not so much the name I dated but the guys I dated had that name. Anyway we played together all the time and even helped the neighborhood kids build a tree house in the big oak on the other side of the creek. We spent a lot of time together and eventually he asked me to go out with him. Not that he was a real boyfriend because I was not allowed to date yet. Not that we could really go anywhere except the tree house anyway. But still he was always around.

I remember one time when my dad had to work late and I had a couple of my friends over for a sleepover and when my mom went to bed I snuck Andy and two of his friends into my bedroom through the window. We hung out and talked, giggled and kissed until my dad showed up. I tried my best to hide them. Putting Andy and one of his friends in my closet and the other under my bed but my dad saw right through it and caught us. I wasn't very good at lying. Still not to tell the truth. We all got into a lot of trouble and my dad had to give us the birds and bees talk that night. It was a very uncomfortable talk to say the least. We were not allowed to play together for awhile. But eventually things got back to normal and we started hanging out again. We were together until I moved away after my parents divorced and my dad remarried.

I don't know what ever happen to him. I sometimes think about him and what he might look like or if he is married and has kids. I should look him up. Not that he would really remember me but who knows right. Lol its a fun thought.

Blog at you later.

Day 46 of RFYLH

Question #46

What games did you play as a child? Inside and outside.

Well I grew up in an era where kids went outside most of the time. We would get up have breakfast and head out the door only to return at lunch time and dinner time. We played all kinds of games. Most of them were made up on the spot because we used what we had available to us as toys. Inside I mostly played with my barbies and my brothers. When I got a little older I would hang out with my friends and watch my brothers for a little extra cash. I also grew up in an era where most kids could go outside and not have to worry about who was going to take them or hurt them. If you got hurt playing you got up brushed it off and went back to what you were doing unless it was really bad then you went home to see what mom could do. We didn't have the kinds of worries that kids these days have. It has become an era of danger and lets just stay in and play video games. I wish I could go back to the time when kids didn't have to worry about stuff like that.

Blog at you later.

Day 45 of RFYLH

Question #45

How do you feel about winning? losing?

That is a really good question and my motherly instinct is to say that its not about winning or losing but how well you played the game. But the other half of me says that I hate to lose at anything and would prefer to win at everything but that is not realistic so I have to stop being human and go with the mommy side of me that says everyone is always a winner if you didn't cheat and had a good attitude about the whole game. LOL. So my mothers coming out of me.

Blog at you later.

Day 44 of RFYLH

Question #44

Describe a perfect spring day and activities on that day?

My perfect spring day is usually spent cleaning out my house from the long winter shut in. Its amazing how much stuff collects during those short three months. I know that sounds a little OCD but I really do look forward to that first semi-warm day when I can open the windows and doors and really air out the house and clean out the rooms. I tend to do this on more than just a spring day. I tend to do it at least once every season. Mostly because I can't stand clutter and on top of that I live in a small apartment so there really is no need to hold on to those things you no longer use. Right.

Blog at you later.

Day 43 of RFYLH

Question #43

Describe a typical day at school?

well since I am no longer in school this question doesn't really apply to me but I will try to remember a typical day in my High School.

It usually started with me getting up and dressed then heading out for a morning run at 4:30 in the morning. After my run I would come home and shower and get ready for the day. I caught the bus most days since my brother wreaked our car and headed off to school. Once there I socialized with friends and attended classes followed somewhere in there by lunch and more classes. At the end of the day I would come home and get ready for work and then do whatever homework I had. I would generally get home around 10:30pm and go to sleep then wake up the next day and do it all over again.

Blog at you later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELYSSA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELYSSA

Eleven years ago today the lord blessed our little family with a beautiful baby girl. She has since grown up into a wonderful, smart, blessed young lady who continues to bless us each and every day of her life. Congratulations Elyssa to making it another year in this world. It may not seem like much but each day that we have you in our lives is a day we are truly blessed. I love you so much and hope you day is the best day ever. Enjoy your blessings and family.

Love,

Mom, Dad, Dj, and Cheyenne.

Day 42 of RFYLH

Question # 42

What are your most deeply held values?

Simply put my values are a direct reflection of my faith. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We hold ourselves to a higher standered because we believe that we are an example to everyone who see's us.

Blog at you later.

Day 41 of RFYLH

Question # 41

Describe a favorite Christmas.

I don't want to sound Corny but I think every Christmas we have as a family is a favorite Christmas to me. I think this Christmas will be just a little more special because Cheyenne was just baptized and will be here with us for the first time. Its always better when family is around.

Blog at you later.

Day 40 of RFYLH

Question #40

Did you go camping? Tell about your experiences.

As a child we did camp once in awhile but mostly only when we went to family reunions. I don't remember very much about them because we stopped going when my parents divorced. The one time I do remember camping was with my mother and step dad and we had our dog Cody. I went to take a shower after a long day of swimming in the river and Cody came with me. When I entered the bathroom there was no one in there so Cody sat by the door and wouldn't let anyone into the bathroom until I was done. It was pretty funny.

Blog at you later.

Day 39 of RFYLH

Question #39

Do you have a favorite Author? Who? Why?

The short answer is yes. Her name is Stephenie Myers. She is the author of the famous Twilight Saga books. I have never been one to really get into the mythical books or movies but when I picked up her book it flowed so well that it just sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down no matter what. Those are rare and hard to find kinds of books for me so she has quickly become my favorite author. That's not to say someone else wont come along and take her place but for now that is where my heart is.

Blog at you later.

Day 38 of RFYLH

Question #38

Describe a favorite childhood friend or something you did with him/her?

I cant really remember any of my childhood friends. I moved around a lot as a child so I never really made any long term friends. That is kinda sad when you think about it but now that I am an adult and more in control of my living situation I have made a lot of really great friends here in Middle Tennessee.

Blog at you later

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Well today is Thanksgiving and I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I have a wonderful husband who loves us all very much. Two beautiful children who are growing and are healthy. A beautiful sister who is growing and thriving with us and who will be baptized on Saturday. I have a great group of friends that love me and keep me grounded when I feel like I just want to float away. I have a job to help pay our bills and get us out of debt as well as put a nice nest egg aside for later in life. I also didn't have to cook a big ole meal this year. Only a turkey and my famous Cranberry salad since we went over to Brett's house for dinner. (that's dales best friend). I also have a great extended family whom I love dearly and miss a lot around this time of year. I didn't however get to take any pictures this year since my battery was dead on my camera. But we got some great memories.

blog at you late.

Day 37 of RFYLH

Question #37

What is your Fathers best trait? Worst? The traits you share.

As with my mother, my father has many traits that I admire. The best one I can think of is his work ethic. I can't ever remember a time when my father wasn't working. He always made sure he could provide for his family no matter what he had to do. His worst trait would have to be the fact that he rambles on and on when he talks. While this is not a terrible trait all together it can get quite annoying at times. The trait we share would have to be our short fuse when it come to children disrespecting their elders. It is one of my biggest pet peeves.

blog at you later.

Day 36 of RFYLH

Question #35

What is your mother's best trait? Worst? The traits you share?

Wow this is a hard question to answer. I would have to say her best trait is that She is a great cook and baker. That is also the one I think we have in common. As for her worst trait I would have to say is her lack of parenting style. She would rather be our friend then be our mom. In some cases that would be fine but when that is you overall parenting style it doesn't work so well. Don't get me wrong I love her to death but its just not working.

blog at you later.

Day 35 of RFYLH

Question #35

Describe a childhood Christmas.

Well this is an appropriate question since Christmas is just around the corner. I wouldn't say this is the best Christmas I had as a child but probably the most memorable one to say the least.

It started off like a normal weekend that year. It was Friday the 23rd of December and my mom had us kids helping her put up the Christmas ornaments on the tree and finishing the rest of the house decorations while my dad worked on his old Yellow truck in the garage. Nothing out of the ordinary. Once we were finished mom sent us to bed while dad finished working on his truck. On Saturday the 24th dad went back to finish what he didn't the night before and we went about our normal begging to open all our presents that were already under the tree that day in stead of waiting for Santa to come. Mom wouldn't let us and then we all heard this loud crash as dad's truck came through the dinning room wall. Mom ran into the garage to make sure dad was ok and then ran back into the house to use the phone. As she dialed she tossed a big towel into the garage and dad came in the house with it wrapped around his hand. We all cried trying to figure out what happen. Then mom piled us all into the car and dropped us off at the J's family home while she rushed dad to the doctors office. You see we lived in a small town and didn't have a hospital but the local doctors office to fix almost everything or at least hold you in one piece until you could make it the half and hour or so to the nearest hospital. All us kids were scarred and the J family did a lot to keep us calm through it all. We went to bed that night and awoke the next morning to a big breakfast awaiting my parents. They came to get us on Christmas morning with dads hand in a big bandage. We were all just glad he was ok but mostly we wanted to get home to see if Santa had come to our house or not. Once we got home we found lots of presents under the tree ( Which I later found out was the J family mom who after putting us all to sleep the night before ran over to our house and put all the presents mom and dad had hidden in their closet under the tree). I can honestly say I don't remember what I got as gifts that year but I will never forget how we spent that Christmas. My dad is now the proud owner of a pointer finger with the tip of it missing. He likes to tell the grand kids that this is what happens when you pick your nose to much. The little people that live in your nose eat your finger because they think it is food. Lol. Silly Grandpa.

blog at you later.

day 34 of RFYLH

Question #34

What were your favorite places to go with your family?

I am going to answer this question in the now since the only places I remember going with my family as a kid were to family reunions. As an adult now with a family of my own I would have to say my favorite place to go as a family is Cherokee, NC. We meet up with Dales family there for a couple of days of fun. Then we head on to Pigeon Forge, TN. and spend a couple more days as just us. We have not gotten to do this in a couple of years but I am looking forward to getting back into the groove this summer.

Blog at you later.

Day 33 of RFYLH

Question # 33

what is you advice to those younger than you?

Honestly the only advice I can give to those younger than me is that an education is more important than almost anything else. Realize your dreams and goals before you settle down in life and have regrets. This does not mean putting anything before God in you life. He should always be number one, Always. That goes a little bit against what I believe as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but I strongly believe that as a strong woman in today's society you have to be able to stand on your own two feet in life. Mostly because you never know what hand you will be delt in this world so you better be prepaired for anything. This means getting a great education and having a career. Also going on a mission if that is what you want to do.

blog at you later.

Day 32 of RFYLH

Question #32

Do you have a close relationship with your grandparents? Tell about it.

I really only had a close relationship with my namesake grandmother. I lived with her my freshman year in High School and loved it. I honestly did not want to go back to living with my father. She was a great influence on me and I believe that if I had stayed with her I would have gone on mission and gone to collage before I got married and started my family.

Blog at you later.

Day 31 of RFYLH

Question #31

How did you like being the oldest, youngest, or middle child?

At times it was great being the oldest but most of the time it sucked because I was always in trouble for something even if I didn't do it I still got in trouble because I was the oldest and I knew better so I should have stopped them or set a better example for the younger kids. I guess no matter where you are in the family its not always peaches and roses. Lol.

Blog at you later.

Day 30 of RFYLH

Question #30

What would you like to be remembered for?

Well I guess that would be the same answer that I gave yesterday. I have a lot of really great things about myself (not to sound conceded) that I hope I not only pass on to my children but I am remembered for when I am no longer walking this earth.

Blog at you later.

Day 29 of RFYLH

Question #29

what personality trait do you admire and why?

Well if you are asking what trait of mine I admire then I would have to say my Charity and kindness. That is also a trait I admire in others also. I tend to always put everyone ahead of myself. Sometimes to my own downfall. I end up giving all of me to everyone and leaving nothing for myself. Its something I admire and also regret at times.

Blog at you later.

Day 28 of RFYLH

Question #28

Do you wish you had more brothers and sisters? Why?

Well the simple and short answer will be NO!!!!!!!! The long answer is because I already am the oldest of 14 siblings. So I never had any privacy or quiet in the house. The upside to that is that there was never a shortage of people to keep me entertained. Plus there was no dull moments in the house. While they were not all from the same two parents I was raised with all of them at one point or another so I just consider them all my whole siblings. The fun part would be to try and get them all together in once place at the same time. A ne'er impossible thing to do considering that most of them are adults with lives of their own now and a couple of them have just plain sworn off the family all together and one of them is no longer living. That being said its a great dream of mine to one day get as many as possible together.

Blog at you later.

Day 27 of RFYLH

Question # 27

What do you think brings good or bad luck?

Well to tell you the truth I don't believe in luck. I believe in opportunities and what you make of them. I think that anything that happens to you is a direct result of a choice you or someone else made. True not always the best result but a result non-the-less.

Blog at you later.

Day 26 of RFYLH

Question #26

What do you think about movies? What is your favorite movie and why?

In general I think movies are great but I wish they would make more movies that were less on the general cursing side and more on the family entertainment side.

I would have to say that my favorite movies are Gone with the wind just because of the fact that it is such a classic and a well made movie. Plus I like Rhett Butler. My other favorite and by far the most watched is Dirty Dancing. I just love the whole romance of a boy and girl from different sides of the tracks falling in love and everything working out right. Not so fond of the language or the sex scenes but overall a great movie.

Then of course there are the christian movies like. Facing The Giants and Fireproof and such movies. I just love the wholesomeness of those movies.

Blog at you later.

Day 25 of RFYLH

Question # 25

What is your favorite scripture and why?

I read the scriptures every night and to tell you the truth I don't have a favorite. I like all of them and my favorite is whatever one applies to the situation at hand. I tend to believe that God never intended for us to like one more than the other so I don't.

Blog at you later.

Etiquette Dinner

So today my sister got to go with sever other wards and have an Etiquette dinner and Dance lessons. She decided to take her boyfriend with her so that she would not feel so silly by herself even though several of her church friends were there. She ended up having a great time and even learned a couple of dances. I am so proud of her. At least now she can know that put in that situation she will know what to do. She looked so beautiful but next year we are going all out with our outfits. I didn't take pictures but I know that several other people did so I will try to get some and post them on here.

Blog at you later.

Day 24 of RFYLH

Question #24

What is the most exciting place that you have ever been to and why?

I have not traveled outside of the united states so I would have to say the most exciting place I have been is when I was a child and my family took a vacation to the Grand Canyon. It wasn't the fact that it was a most beautiful place I have ever been to but the fact that my whole family including extended family was together and having a great time. That is all I ever wish for for my own little family.

Blog at you later.

Day 23 of RFYLH

Question #23

Did you have a favorite TV, radio, program as a child? Tell about it?

Yes, as a child I didn't do much watching TV mostly because I grew up in an age when kids went outside and played instead of sitting in the house and playing video games all day. I use to love watching a program on Sunday night put on by Disney. I'm not sure if anyone remembers it but every week on Sunday night they would play a family movie and we would all sit and eat popcorn and watch the movie together as a family. It was a great way to spend time together and watch something that was appropriate for everyone in the family. I really miss those Sunday night movies.

Blog at you later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

In case you didn't get that. Today is my 33rd birthday. Yes I said my age. I'm growing to understand that really its just a number. You are only as old as you feel and I gotta tell ya I don't feel 33. I'm loving life and my family and friends are wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better day than today. I have no major plans for my birthday but I'm sure my family will make it special anyway they can. So here's to another year older and wiser.


Blog at you later.

Day 22 of RFYLH

Question # 22

What are your food preferences and how did they come about?

I wouldn't say I have any preferences. I like food just fine. I'm not much of a picky eater and will try anything at least once. I use to hate to cook but after I got married and had kids and started to really practice and experiment with food I have grown to really enjoy the process. I still don't like to be in the kitchen for long periods of time but seeing my family enjoy what I make really makes up for it.

Blog at you later.

Day 21 of RFYLH

Question # 21

Were you responsible for household chores? What were they? Which did you enjoy most/least?

Yes in my house growing up all of us kids were in charge of cleaning the house. We all took turns doing everything. The one I loved the most was the vacuuming and the one I hated the most was cleaning the Kitchen. Its still like that today. I hate doing the chores and I do get help with the kids and dale so its not so bad but I still hate cleaning the kitchen. I use to hate to cook but its growing on me now.

blog at you later.

Day 20 of RFYLH

Question # 20

Tell about the house you lived in growing up.

While I lived in a lot of different houses growing up there is one I remember most. The house I grew up in was in Tehachapi, California. It is the house I lived the longest in. It was a yellow house and I remember that mostly because we also had a yellow car and yellow truck. Ya I don't know what my parents were thinking there or if that was just a fluke. I don't remember the physical address but it sat on the corner of San Gabriel st and Star court. I only remember that because my brothers name is Gabriel. It was a nice house. We had a creek in the back yard that was deep enough to swim in in the summer and across the creek was a tree that all of the neighborhood kids turned into a tree house. It was a lot of fun there. I lived there until I was about 9 or 10 I guess and then we moved around. It was home. I was very sad when we had to move out because I loved the place so much. I went back to visit it when I was in California last year for my step-dad's funeral and the place still looks the same. Well not quite the same. Its older and the new owners added a porch but it's still Yellow.

Blog at you later.

Day 19 of RFYLH

Question # 19

What was your worst, really embarrassing moment?

Since I can't think of any embarrassing moments for myself I will tell you ones for my kids.

Cheyenne: my worst day ever was when I was pants in the middle of class in third grade and the guy I really liked saw everything cause my underwear came down to. I cried and ran to the bathroom.

Elyssa: my most embarrassing moment was when we stayed in Pennsylvania for a few days around Halloween a couple of years ago and my auntie Melissa's ex-husband snuck outside and put a mask on and jumped up in the window and scared me so bad that i cried.

Dj: My most embarrassing moment was when I was in the fourth grade and the family was all in the living room playing around and i was on all fours and my moms dog Phatty mounted me and his lipstick came out.

Day 18 of RFYLH

Question #18

What were your Fears, expectations, and anticipations about getting married?

Wow that is great question. My fears about getting married where just that I wanted to pick the right guy the first time because I watched my parents get married several times and I didn't want that. I wanted to just be married once and have a great life. I lucked out and did pick the right guy to marry and although we have not always been completely happy we have always made it through without to much damage. As for my expectations I didn't really have any. I just wanted to be happy with the man I loved and that's what I got. We didn't have a big wedding. In fact we just went down to the courthouse in Alabama and go married alone with just the two of us. It was great to not have the pressure of all the wedding stuff. I think we did the right thing because we are almost 12 years into our marriage and very happy.

Blog at you later.

Day 17 of RFYLH

Question #17

Tell about you family traditions.

Our family traditions were never set in stone we just went with the flow of things but now that I have a family of my own we have our own traditions that I just love. Like for Christmas we always put our tree up two weeks before so that it is still fresh. We open one gift of Christmas Eve which is always PJ's and we have a theme for the tree. Birthdays are all depending on the birthday but usually it consists of that person being pampered all day and their choice of dinner. Fourth of July is usually spent with friends. Halloween is an up in the air holiday because there are very few that Dale has off. Thanksgiving is a time for us to spend as a family. I make a big dinner and we enjoy our time together. Once in a while we go to family friends houses for a meal.

Blog at you later.

Day 16 of RFYLH

Question # 16

Where did your Grandparents live? What was their home like? did it have a certain smell or look?

My grandparents have lived in a lot of places the homes that I can remember where normal homes I would guess. They each had their own tastes and likes so they were different from each others. I remember my paternal grandmothers house always smelled like some sort of fresh baked goods. She loved to cook. I didn't really get to know my maternal grandmother until I was a grown adult with a family of my own. She lived in a trailer on my uncles property for several years and now lives with my aunt in Texas. Her home smelled normal I guess. She didn't cook but she cleaned a lot so I guess it kinda smelled like cleaning products.

Blog at you later.

Day 15 of RFYLH

Question #15

Do you remember any of your Grandparents? What were their names?

Yes I remember a couple of them. My paternal Grandmother is Quondaila Cameron and she had three husbands of which I only met and remember one. His name is Hershal Cameron. On my maternal side I have my Grandmother and her name is Opal and her husband William. I still keep in touch with my grandmothers but both of my grandfathers have passed away.

Blog at you later.

Day 14 of RFYLH

Question # 14

Tell about any ancestors that you know about- names, dates, ect. for historical purposes and any stories about them.

Well to tell you the truth as much as I love my family and love doing family history there isn't much I remember unless I go back and look at the stories myself. I know a lot about my history and all that but when it comes to knowing it off the top of my head im useless. To many stories and not enough space in my head. I have them all writen down so that anyone of my children or such can find out about them. If I remember a story I will come back and edit this one. Sorry.

Blog at you later.

Happy Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween 2011

Ok so these past few years we really have not done much for Halloween mostly because it was just me and the kids and Dale was working. Well this year Dale had Halloween off so we went all out. We decorated and got costumes and went Trick-Or-Treating. It was a blast and the kids got a ton of candy. More than any year before. At the end of the night we went and hung out with Ryan and her family for a little bit then came home and went to bed. Anyway here are the pics from this years costumes.

this is Cheyenne and Amber. Amber is a witch of some sort.

This is Dj's face. It is painted all red and has white M's on his cheeks.
This is Cheyenne's face painted

This is Elyssa's face painted.

Here is Cheyenne's costume she is a bumble bee with no stinger. Lol.

She and Elyssa coordinated their costumes.

Here is Dj's costume. He was a red M&M. It took us a long time to find a

non scary costume that he would wear.

Here is Elyssa's Costume. She is a lady bug.

Well I hope you liked the kids costumes this year. I know I enjoyed picking them out for the most part. The kids had a great night and got enough candy to last them until Easter.

blog at you later.

Day 13 of RFYLH

Question # 13

What is your personal secret of happiness?

You know a lot of people ask me that all the time and I could never really think of a good answer that really fit the bill until I ran into a friend of mine that I had not seen in a very long time. She was never what you would call a religious person by any means but she was always what I would call a happy person. This time there was something different about her. I asked her about what has been going on with her life since we had not seen or talked to each other in a while. We got all caught up and then I asked her what was different about her. We went through the usual things like hair cloths weight and such and then she told me that she had recently met someone and was very happy with her life. I naturally assumed she meant a man since she was single and all then she said " Well he is a guy but not what you think." That had me. Then she pulled out a little piece of paper from her wallet and showed it to me. I was a picture of Jesus. I was surprised that I didn't guess right away what she was talking about since I am a Christian and all and go to church on a regular basis and have a personal relationship with Jesus myself. But the truth is she was more connected to him than I had been in a very long time and you could see it all over her. She just glowed with happiness. I think that would be my personal secret to happiness. Have a good and honest relationship with our Lord above and you can never go wrong.

Blog at you later.

Day 12 of RFYLH

Question # 12

Tell about a frustrating experience that you have had?

Ok so everyone knows that having children can be very frustrating at times, but when your beautiful, precious children become teenagers it becomes a whole new level of frustrating. As most of you know I have recently taken on the responsibility of raising my little sister Cheyenne who is 14 years old. Now I have not been in her life for most of her life. That not being all my fault. But I still found it necessary to take her into my home and raise her. Yes it has been a bumpy ride for all involved but we are getting the hang of things and getting into a rhythm that works for our family of five now. This all being said I now have TWO teenagers and an 11 year old who should be a teenager for all the drama she has. Something happens to these sweet little children as they get older. I like to call it going alien but I know it is just a hormone thing. Either way they seem to change overnight and become very independent and love to push the boundaries of my patients all the time. I wonder sometimes if this isn't just payback for what I did to my parents as a teenager or if this is just the circle of life. I guess we will never truly understand until we are no longer on this earth. My only hope is that I make it through all this with my hair and sanity in tack and pray that what they do to me they will get back at them when they have children of their own. I so look forward to the day when I get a call from them saying something to the effect of " Mom I am so sorry I was such a pain when I was growing up but now I am paying for it with _______(name of child)." Lol oh well I know that is a ways off so no need to dream about it now. It is true that I love them all with all my heart and soul and would do anything for them short of going to jail or getting into real trouble. So to answer the question my recent frustrating experience is a daily struggle with my teenage children. Its a long sentence and well worth it in the end. I hope. LOL

Blog at you later.

Day 11 of RFYLH

Question # 11

Describe your favorite birthday?

Well that's an easy question. You know as you get older in life you are less and less likely to want to celebrate your birthday because it means you are getting older. And lets face it who wants to get older or at least admit you are getting older anyway. Well, that's how I felt about turning 30 a few years back and I thought that would be it for my celebrating so I decided to throw a Prom Party for my birthday. With the whole formal gowns and all. It was themed and everything. It was just like being back at prom in high school only no drama or worrying about who was going to ask me to it. I already had a date. Although my wonderful hubby had to work that night he was there in spirit. Of course now I will be doing this on all my big birthdays and so he WILL be at the next one. It was great night with all my good friends. I had so much fun thanks to my girlfriends and so I figured what the hay it isn't so bad getting older if you can have this much fun doing it.

Blog at you later.

Day 10 of RFYLH

Question #10

Thinking back, was there a teacher who had a great influence on you?

I aways say I don't remember much about my elementary school years because they were so long ago but one person is still with me to this day. Her name was Mrs. Stone. I don't know if that is still her name or not but I will always remember her as that. She was both my 3rd grade and 4th grade teacher. She always made learning fun. She didn't inspire me to become a teacher but she did inspire me to do whatever my heart desired. I loved having her as a teacher.

Blog at you later.

Day 9 of RFYLH

Question #9

What is the most important lesson, message, or advicce that you have learned that you ight pass on to others?

Wow that is a hard question to answer. I have learned a lot of things in my life that I wish I could pass on to my children so that they don't make the same mistakes that I did. As far as the most important piece of advice I could give my children or really any youth at this point in time is when you are old enough and ready to marry make sure that they are really the one. Go to Pre-marital counseling and make every effort to communicate effectively with you soon to be spouse. Talk about everything and make sure that the important subjects such as religion, children and money are all in agreement or at least a good understanding of what you both want. Always be honest with each other and try your hardest to always make it work. Don't let society tell you that just because you have an argument or times are tuff that it is tim00e to give up. I lucked out in life and picked the right guy the first time. I plan to grow old with him and when we have our down times ( which we do because we are human) we work through it.

One more piece of advice that I would give and I think is the MOST IMPORTANT of all is put GOD first in everything you do. From picking your spouse and raising your family to doing your everyday to day outings. If it wasn't for GOD we would have nothing. This is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way but I have come to understand that not having HIM in my life is not a good place to be.

Blog at you later.

Day 8 of RFYLH

Question #8

Describe your Sundays as a Mother/Father and a child?

My sundays as a child were off and on as far as going to church. We went on a regular basis until I was about 11 or 12 and then stoped going all together when I was a teenager. I later went back to church when I had my son.

My sundays as a Mother now are good. I attend church with my family almost every Sunday depending on ofcourse sickness and such. I enjoy it very much. While my husband and I don't always see eye to eye on how or what church to raise our children in the one thing we do agree on is that they need God in their lives one way or another. This is something we stuggle with trying to make our teenagers understand. They would rather sleep in and enjoy their last day of the weekend with friends and we don't allow that. It is a day to rest and enjoy spending time with your family. We tend to make it a movie night or game night or just spend the day catching up on our week. We try to solve or settle anything that has arossen in the week and make it a spritual healing day.

Blog at you later.

Day 7 of RFYLH

Question #7

How did your Father spend his time supporting his family?

My father did a great job from what I can remember always keeping our family in good standings when it came to support. When I was really young he did a few odd and end jobs but the first real job I remember him having was working in the Prison in Tehachapi, Ca. Later he moved on to work as a police officer for several years. Then moved to Mississippi and did a few different jobs there finally landing as a medic for the ambulance company and now a Paramedic for the off shore oil rigs. He is what you would call a Jack of all trades. I couldn't be more proud of the way he took care of our family. He was not only a financial provider for our family but he was a great emotional leader also. He was always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or some just to talk about my day with. True he was not always around due to his job but when it really counted he was there for us. As far a spiritual leader I believe he did the best he knew how at the time. I'm sure he has a few things he would have changed but all in I think he did a great job.

Blog at you later

Day 6 of RFYLH

Question #6

Describe the most serious illness or accident that you have had?

Well as a kid the worst thing that happen to me was I broke my arm in an S shape falling off my best friends shoulders practicing for a dance competition. As a Teen the worst thing that happened to me was my boyfriend got really mad at me one day and decided to beat me up with a lead pipe while his best friend held my best friend back. Plus the couple of car accidents I had that were not my fault. As an adult I have had a couple of illnesses that put me in the hospital and then of course the birth of my children but the biggest and worst thing that happen to me was when I first move here to Tennessee, it was the day before my birthday and I needed to go to Nashville to pick up my brother from work. I was not comfortable driving alone that far yet so I made my best friend go with me. Since we both had small children and neither of us had anyone to watch them we took them with us. On our way back my SUV steering wheel got really loose and I thought it was due to the fact that I was behind a semi. So I slowed down from 80 mph to 70 mph and right after I did that my driver side back tire exploded. My brother jumped over the seat to lye on top of my son who was laying down in the very back of my SUV. I lost control of the SUV and blacked out just as I hit the guard rail. When I came to I was the only person in my SUV and there were cops, fire men and paramedics all around me. I was pinned in my SUV by the steering wheel and could not feel my legs. I was frantic trying to figure out what happen to everyone in the SUV but no one would tell me. Finally a paramedic told me everyone but my best friend was fine. I calmed down and let them do what they needed to do. I was later medi-vaced to Vanderbilt with my best friend who I later found out flew out of my SUV when it rolled twice. I was in the hospital for about 24 hours and then went home. My best friend came home about 8 hours later with a broken cheek bone and a dislocated shoulder. We both survived it but it took me a very long time to get back into a car without a panic attack and even longer for me to drive a car again.

Blog at you later.

Day 5 of RFYLH

Question #5

Did you have a bicycle as a kid? What was it like?

I did have a bicycle as a kid. Several of them accually. I can't remember what they looked like but I remember having them. I would go and ride them up and down the street with my brothers and do tricks with them. I was more of a tom boy than a girl most of the time. I guess that is why i got along better with boys than girls. My brothers loved it because I never wanted to date their friends only hang out with them.

Blog at you later.

Day 4 of RFYLH

Question #4

Tell about your pre-teen social life, your friends,outings,chruch functions, ect.

I can't really remember much about my childhood other than the bad things that happened in my life. I moved a lot as a child so I never really had that many friends and once I got a couple of good ones I ended up moving so I never kept any for a long period of time. I spent most of my time hanging out with my siblings and taking care of them until my father remarried. I was in and out of church until I was a teenager and then stopped going all together. I didn't go back until I had my son then went back to church full time.

Well that's all for today. Blog at you later.

Day 3 of RFYLH

Question #3

What did you do that got you into the most trouble when you were a kid?

How did your parents handle it?

Well being the oldest I always got into trouble for things I didn't do but didn't stop my siblings from doing either. But I would have to say the one thing that got me into the most trouble was picking on my siblings. I know every kid does it but I was at it all the time. Constantly nagging them about everything. Mostly because I was bored and grounded and really had nothing better to do. Now that I think back on it I could have been a little less grounded if I would have just left them alone but what are big Sisters for if not to mess with the younger kids right. My parents usually just spanked me unless it was really bad then they grounded me or took away privileges that I really enjoyed like watching tv or getting desert after dinner. It was a different time back then and I use to think they were the strictest and meanest parents ever but now that I have kids I can see why they could have been a lot meaner and stricter.

Well that's it for today. Blog at you later.

Day 2 of RFYLH

Question #2

Tell about your Mother. Her personality, characteristics, stature, coloring, talents, temperament, family stories about her, her role in your home, ect.

Well in my life I have had a couple of moms but only one of those is the woman who gave birth to me. She and my father were married until I was 8 years old and then divorced. I lived with my father for a few years getting to see my mom on weekends and such. Then when I was about 10 or 11 I chose to go and live with her and my step-dad Patrick. I stayed with them until I was 15 then went to live with my paternal grandmother for a year and then back to my father at 17. Where I stayed until I met my husband and was married.

Her full name is Loria Christine Shields (Dorman)

she is a short woman by most means. But I like it cause I am taller than her so when I am feeling short I just have to say at least I'm taller than mom. Lol. If you look at me you are looking right at my mother. We are identical or at least that is what everyone keeps telling me. My youngest sister has the same face as us also. You can see a little bit of our fathers in our faces but mostly you see our mother. She is 1 of 6 children in her family. 3 girls and 3 boys. One of those boys is her twin brother. They land right in the middle of the pack. Her mother is still living and doing great while her father past away when I was very young. I really don't remember him at all.

I get my creativity from her side of the family. My mother and a couple of her brothers are all artists in one form or another. My mother is very talented and can do just about anything she puts her mind to. She has a temperament to meet most men's. Meaning she can hold her own. That probably comes from having grown up with such tough brothers all her life. While she is getting older in life I don't see her slowing down anytime soon. True that may be because she still has a couple of teenagers living at home but mostly I think it is in her genes. I don't know many stories about her mostly because I have not spent a lot of my adult life really talking to her and getting to know her. This is a something I plan to fix in the near future. Her role in my home currently is just to be a supporter. She is there when I need someone to talk to but living 8 hours away that's pretty much all she can do at this point. She is having to start her life over and be on her own for the first time in her life since the death of my step-dad a little over a year and a half ago. It has been a rough road to say the least but I think she is finally getting her grip on things. I have no doubt that if she really puts her mind to it she can do anything she wants. She has/is raising 9 children that she gave birth to. But I have a total of 14 siblings including myself. 5 of those are step brothers and sisters but growing up didn't make me think any less of them so I still say I am the oldest of 14. My mother may not have given birth to them but none the less they are my siblings. between the 14 of us my mother has a total of 12 grandchildren. Most of which are boys. Only four are girls. I love my mom with all my heart and I know that she is there for me if I need her emotionally. I hope to one day know more about her and be able to add to this post with great stories.

Well that's all I have on my mother at this time. I hope you enjoyed getting another small glimpse into my life.

Blog at you later.

Receipt For Your Life History

OK so anyone who really knows me knows that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( better know as the Mormons) and being a part of this church they encourage us to journal our life so that we not only remember it but future generations will know what we went through and how we dealt with it and how we were feeling during that point in our lives. Also as a way to really get to know me when I can't be there to tell them myself. Well I have NOT done a very good job of this lately so in an effort to not only do better but get my kids to do well also I have decided to participate in a fun thing my daughter brought home from her Activity Day Girls class tonight. It is called "Receipt for my Life History." Basically it is a jar filled with all kinds of questions and you write down your answers, every night picking a new question. At the end you will have a small book and be in the habit of writing everything down (well a habit I will again get into). So tonight will be question One and we will get through them all I hope without any forgotten days. Join along and see how much fun you remember by doing this. Well without further delays here we go.

Question #1

If You could be any animal what would it be and Why?

Well tonight's question is an easy one. If you know anything at all about me you know I'm going to pick the giraffe. I pick this animal not only because it is a true miracle that the thing can even move much less stay upright with its body type but because my mom (Kathleen) got me hooked on these beautiful animals when I was pregnant with my now 13 year old son. As a gift one day she gave me a beautiful metal set of Giraffes one being the mother with its head bent down toward the ground and the other being the child with its head reaching up toward the sky. When put together they almost kiss. It was the most beautiful gift I ever got. To this day I am still in love with these wonderful animals and I don't think time will ever change that.

Well there is my answer for tonight. I hope you learned a little something about me. Lets see what you come up with. If you choose to play along send me a comment and I will go and check out your answer. Have fun and enjoy the process.

Blog at you later.

catching up with HodgePodge #41-46

Ok so I have been really neglecting my blog lately and I need to get into the habit of writing again everyday so to play catch-up I am going to blog several HodgePodge episodes in one. I will only put question 8 in at the end since it really doesn't apply to all of them. Enjoy. I know it is Thursday but what the heck.

Hodge Podge 41

1. What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?

Most of the time nothing just because I am always saying it doesn't have to be done perfectly but when it comes to my jewelry making that is the one thing I stress over when its not done to perfection.






2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.

Well I think that all depends on the person truthfully. I believe in ghosts but that is just me. My husband on the other hand thinks I'm nuts for it but I cant help what I see and hear. He thinks its all in my head but then again they say that children can see things that adults can not because their minds are pure and open to anything while adults are more shut off. So Yes I think a 6th sense exists.





3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?

Again depending on the person. Some are quick if I know I will see or talk to the person in a fairly short amount of time but if its someone I know I'm not going to see or talk to anytime soon then they tend to be very long goodbyes.





4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?

I'm not a spicy person so I would say probably a 2 unless it is curry chicken made by my good friend Dawnette. She makes the best chicken in the world.





5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?

I can't say that I have one. I personally hate commercials so I tend to either mute the tv or change the Chanel until its over.





6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?

plane if I can afford it if not then auto all the way. I don't do trains or boats.





7. What is something you take for granted?

I use to take a lot of things for granted but just recently I have discovered just how sweet and short life really is and how lucky we are to have the things that we have. So now I try really really hard not to take anything for granted at all.

Hodge Podge 42

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I think we just became more aware of the danger on 9/11 because we had it thrown into our faces. I would have to say that I have become more knowledgeable of whats going on in and around our nation and the world since then. I have become more involved with whats happening also.





2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?


when I was a teenager I would have said heck yes they were to strict but as an adult and parent now and knowing what I know about the world I would say no they were not strict at all.





3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.


Wow. Something I know most women deal with but not a lot talk about is how self concise I really am about myself. Not a lot of people know that about me only because I try to hide it well.





4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?


I'm not sure maybe simple at least that's how I feel about myself.





5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?


Oh without a doubt it would be funnel cakes. I can get myself into some trouble with those things.





6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?


I have experienced all three of them. A tornado when I was younger and lived in Ok. with my parents and grandparents. That was pretty scary. Several Earthquakes living in California. The scariest part about those is you have no warning they just hit ya. And Several Hurricanes. The last one Hurricane Katrina is what brought me and my family up here to this beautiful Tennessee. Those not so scary unless you stay and ride one out then very scary.





7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

Well yes I was assigned chores but we were not payed because my dad believed that you did your part to keep the house running. I am a parent now and Yes I do assign chores to everyone in the house including myself and my husband and No we don't pay our kids not because of the same reasons I was not paid but because it just isn't in the budget at this time.

Hodge Podge 43

1. What is one piece of advice you would give a 'just turning' 21- year old adult?

You know that wasn't that long ago for me so I would have to say that my number one advice would be to follow your bliss and really figure out what you want to do with your life because before you know it you will be 30 and trying to figure out where it all went and what you have to show for it.





2. Besides cooler weather (or warmer weather, depending on your hemisphere) what is one thing you are looking forward to this fall?


Oh that's an easy one. It would have to be the beautiful colors of the trees as they change color here in Middle Tennessee.





3. What sound lulls you to sleep?


The sound of my fan. If it stops I wake up instantly.





4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency 'kit' and/or disaster plan in place?


Yes we do. You see we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we strongly believe in being prepared for anything that is coming.





5. How has your blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it?


Wow well I definitely don't blog as much as I did when I first started but I am hopping to change that soon.





6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer?


Oh Photo shop. Its my new favorite toy.





7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

I think if it is taken right any picture can tell a story just by looking at it.

Hodge Podge 44

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?


Usually I try to talk myself out of it but if not then I take some meds and get some rest. I don't ever get the flu shot for myself but my kids have to have it in order to stay in school.





2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?


The only thing I can say is to just face it and get it over with. Its not good to hold on to fear. It only holds you back.





3. Share two good things about your life right now.


1. My sister has permanently moved in with us to better her life and ours.
2. I am on the road to starting my own business. I am so excited.




4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?


I don't usually follow the fashion trends just because I love to be myself so it doesn't fit at all.





5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?


No because I am a girl and when I was a kid they only had Brownies for girls which was dumb to me so I was not involved but as an adult I am a little involved because I have a son who is in scouts.


6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?


All the above as long as I don't have to eat pumpkin.





7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?

They have to have an open mind and willing to deal with each child as an individual and not as a group. Every child is different and a teacher that can see that and respond to it to help each child learn at their best is a great teacher.

Hodge Podge 45

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?


Yes, White is my new favorite, both beans and no beans, I'm not a spice person but a little is good, and as for toppings I'm usually good with sour cream and cheese. unless its a white chili then just the cheese.





2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?


All of the above.





3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?


I don't remember really idolizing anyone growing up.





4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and crafty'? Share please.


Everyday. I am always crafting something.





5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?


I don't usually get nervous unless I have to speak in front of a crowd of people.



6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)

Oh yes all the way I love to ride horses.






7. What is your favorite cliche?

I wouldn't say I have a favorite one I like them all

Hodge Podge 46

1. It is officially fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011? If you're not in North America, what's your favorite memory of the season just ending on your side of the world?


My favorite memory of 2011 summer is when my sister came to be a permanent part of my house hold.





2. Your favorite nut? You know I mean the edible kind, right?


Almonds are my favorite at the moment.





3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test?


Hiking really tests my balance most of the time. Depending on the trail I am on.





4. How would you describe your sense of humor?


I think I'm pretty funny most of the time. I don't know about other people.





5. September 28th is National Ask a Stupid Question Day...what's your stupid question?


I believe the only stupid question is an unasked question. You can never learn if you don't ask.





6. Roller skates~hula hoop~jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy? Yes, you have to choose.


Well since I don't roller skate and I have not hula hooped in ages and Jumping rope is no longer and option thanks to my knees I would have to say Hula hoop at this moment.





7. What's your most sentimental possession?

That would be a mask that my late step father made before he died. Also the camera he left me. I cant use it because one I don't know how to use a film camera and two it is about 25 years old and they don't make them anymore so I cant get a battery for it.



8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wow I finally finished all of those questions. I hope I never have to do that again.

Just should have stayed in bed

So today was one of those days when I just should have stayed in bed. I don't know if I had a bad dream or what but I was not in a good mood all day. I tried to be in a good mood and really had no good reason not to be in a good mood but just couldn't shake it no matter what I tried. I snaped at the kids for no good reason and really just was not at all pleasant to be around. On top of everything else my car is acting funny and I don't know why. My macanic was suppose to look at it but he came down with the flu or something and so I have to wait a few days to figure out whats wrong. So I decided that I was not in a good place to go to church so we stayed home. Dj made spaghetti for dinner and the everyone went to bed. I am headed there now so lets hope for a better day tomorrow.

Blog at you later.

NPC assignment

Ok so Cheyenne and I have joined this club in Nashville called The Nashville Photography Club to improve our photos. As a result of joining we are able to take classes for free to help further our development. So we are taking a basic Photography class on Thursdays. Well our first assignment was due today and these are the pictures we used. Bellow are mine and then Cheyennes.

Quons NPC assignment

this shot was my group shot. It was of a group of boys that were playing on this old sign at Billy Dunlap park in Clarksville.

This shot was my landscape shot. The teacher loved everything about it except that I didn't get closer to the tree. I think its perfect the way I took the picture.


This was my action shot. If you click the photo you can see the water drop coming down as they splashed eachother.

This is my personal shot. We were asked to take a picture of something we love to shoot (with a camera).

This was my close up shot. He suggested that I zoom in on the knot of the tree instead of just the tree trunk itself.

Over all he loved all my photos. I passed.



Cheyennes NPC assignment

This was her personal shot. He didnt have much to say about it other than she should have gotton the duck looking at her. Yah like that would have been an easy shot. lol.

This was her Landscape shot. He did not consider it a landscape but I think finding a random set of stairs in the middle of the woods that lead to nothing is an interesting landscape shot.

This was her group shot. It was self taken as you can tell and he loved it. We tried to get him to give her extra point for it but he wasn't having it.

This was her action shot. He loved this one. The only thing he said was that she should have included the trampoline they were jumping on.

This was her close up shot. He had nothing but great things to say about it. she even included Depth of Field which he loved.

Over all he loved her photos. She passed 4 out of 5.

Well there you go. We had such a good time with this assignment. I am interested to see what our next project will be.

Blog at you later.