Ok so the quality of these pictures isn't the greatest, but I haven't updated the blog in soooo long.....so bad is better than none. Well according to me anyway.

Did everyone have a happy new year? I sure did! I brought in 2010 with two of the coolest girls ever................Hannah and Lily. We spent the night baking (burning) cookies, making hashbrown casserole and cards for deployed soldiers.

I recently joined a mailing list of addresses for deployed soldiers. I was given two names, Aaron and Trevor. No word from either of them yet, but internet access isn't always available to them. Hannah and Lily totally got into making these cards. It was sooooo sweet to listen to them talking to each other about these soldiers. While we were eating dinner Lily asked me what Trevor was probably eating for dinner tonight. I said well I don't know, but I will ask him. Then later she asked me if Trevor would want to hear about her soccer team. Trevor's bio said that he likes all sports and when I told her soccer was on his list she got super excited. She wants to send him a soccer ball in the care package. Wonder where I can get a deflated one?

If anyone would like the name and address of a soldier (or 2) let me know. Right now the list has about 80 names left.

Happy new year everyone.....and just so you know my resoultion is to blog more!

Now I am off to catch an episode or two of Sex and the City, then off to bed!

What's on the other side of your front door?

I live in the country and I hate it. Let me tell you why. Today as I was folding clothes I heard some dogs going crazy outside. There aren't too many dogs around so I was curious. I opened my front door to see 13 yes 13 (I counted them) hound dogs huddled around one of our trees. Unsure of where the dogs had come from and if they were "friendly" I quickly closed the door.

About 15 minutes later I heard the same commotion again. Sooooooooo I again went to the front door, flung it open only to find three men dressed in camo and orange standing in my front yard........with large weapons.

Okay well I understand that I live in the country, and that's where most hunting is done, but ummmmmmmmmm isn't it illegal to hunt on someone's property?

Now personally I didn't have a problem with their hunting trip in my front yard. It wasn't like I wanted that poor little squirrel for dinner or anything. It was their attitude. When the hunters saw me they got upset that I had distracted their dogs long enough for whatever rodent they had sniffed out to get away. Ummmmm hello you are on my property.......so technically that squirrel belongs to me.

What's worse? Dad would have normally been home by this time, but it's suppose to snow tonight so he had to stay. Sooooooooo here I am home alone, three LARGE armed men in my front yard, and oh yeah we live in the country so no one was going to hear me scream!

So I smiled the biggest smile ever and quickly closed the door. Oh and then I called my daddy of course. LOL Thankfully he hadn't started salting yet so he ran home to check on me. Of course the "hunters" were gone by then and I felt a little silly for calling him, but c'mon what would you have done?

Oh well I guess it's all part of living in the country. I should probably look on the bright side, most people have to get up early and find a good spot to hunt........I can just open my front door.

What's on the other side of your front door?

In God I trust

So it's 2 a.m. and I am up. Why? I wish I could tell you why. My eyes aren't the least bit tired and my body isn't screaming at me to pour myself into bed. I just watched two episodes of Sex and the City and got lucky enough to catch the Sex and the City movie on HBO. I heart this movie......even if it does make me cry each and every time I watch it.

Speaking of things that will make you cry..........I am asking all of you to check out a blog that I follow www.littlegreenpastures.com and read their story. Just a quick overview.....Ryan and Bri Morrison had sextuplets, but only one survived. Sylas, their precious baby boy is awesome. They also have another miracle to celebrate, Ivy. Their story is one of heartbreak and happiness, and through it all they have never lost their faith. I think that's the most important thing.

Sooooooo Christmas is coming up, and......................I am not looking forward to it. Don't get me wrong I love spending time with my family, but this is the first year that I have been "alone" for Christmas since I was in my teens. See for me Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about spending time with the people you love. It's about having someone to share moments with. I'm not saying I "NEED" a guy to be happy during the holidays I am just saying that I enjoy having that person to share them with. I know I am not alone really, I have my awesome family and amazing friends, but I don't have that person. Ahhhh I sound like Kate Gosselin! I can't help how I feel. Feeling how we feel isn't logical, it's emotional. I've never been very good with controlling my emotions. Sooooo instead of focusing on what I don't have, I am going to be thankful for what I do. I have family and friends who are there for me day in and day out. I have faith in God and all that he can do. On top of all that I have high hopes for my future. My theory is simple............keep my faith in God, trust him and his path for me, surround myself with that awesome family of mine and those amazing friends, and to never ever give up or give in. Simple enough? I guess we will see.

Catch up!

Who has missed me? Yeah yeah I know I have read all your e-mails and comments. Ya'll have been so worried, and I really appreciate the concern! Well lots and lots have been going on so lets get started.

First I am no longer employed. I would like to talk about it, but for legal reasons I cannot. Just so you're not totally in the dark, I have been job hunting for the last six months. So I am not in the least bit upset about no longer being employed at FVB. Yes, I wanted to have a job to go to when I quit, but it didn't work out that way. I have spent the last two weeks going on SEVERAL job interviews and internship interviews. When I say several I mean several. Over the past couple of months I have heard so many people talking about the job market and how slim it is. Ummmmm sorry I don't buy it! There are plenty of jobs out there, you just have to get off the couch and go look. Thankfully, I am well qualified and educated so interviews have been pouring in.

Ohhhh and just for the record 99% of the e-mails have asked about a guy in my life. I don't have one right now so to speak. I have a major crush (yeah cause I am in middle school lol) but nothing has happened. He is an amazing guy and has been a major part of my life for quite some time. But just so ya'll know I have decided to be more private with that part of my life. It just seems like that part needs to be between me and the guy. Ya know? I would appreciate your prayers though. This guy is great and I could use all the prayers I can get for this to work out. I would be the happiest girl in the world if it did.

Since it's Sunday night let's recap the weekend. Friday night was movie night. We saw Blindside and it was awesome. If you haven't seen it yet......GOOOOOOOO! It was great. It was nice to see Phil Fulmer in it and so much talk about Knoxville and good ole Tennessee.

Saturday night the whole crew headed to Hooter's for fight night. Luckily we got there early and saw the end of the game. Tennessee beat Vandy and I couldn't be more proud of Lane! Mr. Kiffin has really impressed me, and I am not just talking about his looks. LOL Kristy and Brian's fighter won too. So except for Kristy's wallet getting stolen it was a great night.

Today has been my lazy day. Well if you can call filling out applications for internships lazy. Who knew internships required so much paperwork. One required 12 letters of recommedation. I will never be able to thank those 12 people enough.

Tomorrow is a new day and I am excited. Yes, I could be depressed, sad, scared or even mad that I am jobless and guyless, but really how would that help? No, Instead I am choosing to be postive, proactive and faithful. Faithful to God, because I know he has a plan for me. He never closes one door without opening opening another. I know that he has an awesome plan for me in both of those areas, so I am just going to see what happens. Isn't it amazing to just let go and let God?

Your prayers are welcome and wanted! There are several job opportunities that I have been working on for more than 3 months, andI could really use some extra prayers! Also in the guy department!!!

Bows Bows and more Bows!

Guess who's finally getting some hair???????? That's right miss pretty's hair is coming in more and more each day, and.................................she needs some bows!!!!! Not just any bows though.....big huge bows!

Oh and of course these bows must come from an ETSY shop! So here are a few that I found. I think they just scream Preslee!

Now I just have to choose........................

Who's ready for a giveaway?

Soooooo many of you have been emailing me asking for the daily giveaways to come back! Yes, I am working on it! I promise! Right now I am in the process of collecting pictures and item descriptions from the ETSY shops.

There aren't as many sellers interested in participating this time around. With Christmas coming up they are trying to make as much money as possible, not give things away. I totally understand! Our economy isn't great! So I just want to thank all the sellers who in advance who are participating.

Here are the rules (they are going to be the same for each giveaway):

1. One entry will be given for each comment you leave.

2. One entry will be given if you are a follower.

3. One entry will be given per friend referral.

4. If that friend becomes a follower then you will be given another entry and so will they.

5. The first person to leave a comment on the post will be give 5 extra entries!

Not too hard right? Also these items never touch my hands. They are shipped directly from the ETSY shop to you. Please remember winners that once I announce your name on the blog it is up to you to contact the seller.

Good luck everyone!!!!!

Purple Cows on Pins and Needles

I just wanted to share a picture of the best looking girls working at First Volunteer Bank! Ha Ha! This picture was taken last night at our "town meeting" and I think Kristy and I look pretty good.

Town meetings are held every three months at one central location. We have over 20 branches so the meetings are spread out over a week, and I really feel sorry for the board members who have to travel to each one. One town meeting is more than enough for me. Anyway we are on this "purple cow" theme right now so everyone had to wear purple last night.

Confused about the purple cow theory? It's really simple. Imagine you are driving down a country road. You pass farm after farm with fields full of cows. Then you pass a farm with a purple cow! Now I am sure that would catch your eye right? Well First Volunteer Bank is looking for purple cows so to speak. We are looking for new and interesting ways to be the best bank around!

Any ideas on how we can do that? Anything you would like to see at your bank the next time you walk in the lobby? Sounds like a good reason to have another giveaway! Leave me your ideas in a comment and if I choose your idea you win!

I love polka dots and ETSY and I have a new favorite shop........

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6004869

Pink Pins and Needles has the cutest things!

So here's the deal..............send me your purple cow idea and I will randomly draw a winner for a custom key fob in Pink Pins and Needles shop. So go look around and let me know which one you would like if you win. I will draw the winner next Friday (30th)

Tell me what you think?

Tennis is a big deal in my family. Daddy and some of his cousins grew up passing the time on the court. Most of my cousins played in high school and college and my sister too. Me not so much. Ha Ha! I am not much of a sporty girl........more of an indoor, anti-sweat kinda girl. Anyway even though I don't hit the courts on a regular basis like the rest of my family, I still follow the tennis world. Tonight I read this story and while I have mixed emotions about it, I want to know what the rest of you think.

Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, a tale of great sportsmanship has instead turned into an investigation of gambling, match-fixing and tennis integrity.
Caroline Wozniacki, a 19-year-old Dane ranked sixth in the world, retired from the first-round match at the Luxembourg Open with a hamstring injury on Wednesday while leading Anne Kremer of Luxembourg 7-5, 5-0.

Wozniacki's father, Piotr, told his daughter at 3-0 in the second set to retire before winning because her injury would prevent her from playing in the next round. His comments, apparently spoken in his native Polish, were picked up by microphones and heard by viewers watching the match on the Internet ...
... The father's comments during the match led to a surge in online bets for Kremer to win.
Wozniacki did a tremendous thing for Kremer by allowing her to advance to the second round in front of her hometown fans. As she explained:

I could possibly have finished the match, but felt there was no way I could get ready for the second round on Thursday, so I chose the sporting way and let her go through. She's also [playing] at home.

For her selfless actions, Wozniacki has earned an investigation from the Tennis Integrity Unit. Because there were a number of bets made after her father's comments were picked up by the microphones, the WTA became concerned that there was something nefarious about Wozniacki's retirement.

The British gambling exchange site Betfair, which allows clients to make mid-match wagers, says it did not have any concerns about the match.

First of all, if Wozniacki was going to fix the match, there are dozens of more effective and less obvious ways to do it rather than retiring up 5-0 in the second set. That'd be like if Tim Donaghy tripped opposing players in the NBA games he bet on.

This also seems like the WTA's way of covering itself for having live microphones in coaching huddles. From the way this story was reported, the bets in question didn't go through until after Piotr Wozniacki's comments were aired live on the Internet. Why not just cut those mics?
In all likelihood, Caroline Wozniacki will be cleared of any wrongdoing, but it's still disappointing that she's set to be investigated for integrity after a gesture which showed how much of it she really has.

So tell me what you think!

No reality for this fantasy

I just wanted to let any vendor who may be following my blog for updates on the Fantasy of Trees know that.............we have canceled the event. In the beginning I had so many people agree to help me with setup and cleanup and all the things in between, but...............things happen and people get busy. This is the busiest time of the year! Everyone has so much going on and its hard to work everything in.

Yes, I could do it alone, but Relay for Life is so important to me. I just don't want to half do this event. I would much rather start the planning process earlier next year and be better prepared.

Thanks to all the vendors who signed up! I hope we can work together in the near future!

What a small world!

It’s late and I am tired, but I wanted to share a quick story with all my blog friends! Over the last couple of weeks I have been planning a Fantasy of Trees type of event to benefit Relay for Life. In my search for vendors I went to ETSY. Now ya’ll know I heart ETSY and even though I have had some not so pleasant experiences…….I still shop ETSY faithfully!

Anyway I was contacting all sellers from the Knoxville and Oak Ridge area and have had an awesome response. I can’t believe how many vendors are coming just from ETSY! Ok back to the point…………………………………….

One vendor emailed me back to say that she was actually originally from my area and would love to be a vendor at the event. We talked back and forth through about 20 emails and finally she said Ummmmmm is your mama named C***** and your sister named C*****……

I said ummmmmm yea………….

She said then is your daddy named S****?

Again I said yes……… by this time I was racking my brain trying to figure out who this was.

She said well my daddy was your daddy’s brother, but he died a long time ago………….


Can you imagine how shocked I was to find my long lost cousin after years and years of no contact? And to find her on ETSY of all places! It really is a small world after all.

I am super excited to see her, and I know my daddy will be too.

Before I forget here is her website www.sprinklebakes.com check out her amazing creations!

Tiff

Still here

Long time no blog. I feel like I have started way too many posts like that over the past six months. In all honesty I have been busy, but mainly lazy. Having dial up makes it hard to upload pictures and I hate posts without pictures!

Anyway lots and lots has been going on in my world since we last chatted.....

I am in the process of planning Campbell County's 1st ever Fantasy of Trees!!!! East Tennessee Children's Hospital has one every year as a benefit for them, so I thought it would be a great way to raise money for Relay for Life. With our economy not doing so great these days I am constantly looking for new and interesting ways to raise money. Bake sales, car washes, raffles and drawings are old and tired. Don't get me wrong they still raise money, but I am looking for something new and different.

For the past two years I have thrown a Prom and Bridal fashion show and expo. The first year it snowed, so the turn out was terrible! Last year was better and the crowd was bigger, but still not what I had hoped.

Hopefully this event will go better!

So far I have over 30 vendors signed up and two different groups performing. Planning is stressing me out a bit, and November 7th is approaching quickly!!!! I am looking for ideas.......yes that means you blog followers!

Think outside the box........

Not sure how many locals read my blog, but I am also looking for entertainment. If you have a group that would like to perform let me know. I am looking for cheer leading teams, dance groups, church choirs......etc........

Kristy and Kel's birthday's are also right around the corner! I can't believe they are going to be 25! Kel isn't in the least bit bothered by it, but poor Kristy is having a hard time. Since we started planning for their birthday celebration she has said about a million times "I am a quarter of a century old"!!!!!! Ha Ha! I love her even though she keeps reminding me that I am only a year and a half behind her. So what do you do for two girls about to be quarters of a century old???????? Yeah I don't know either! Planning is still underway for this event!

Kristy and I are quite the event planners these days. On top of everything else that we have going we are also planning a 3 on 3 basketball tournament to benefit one of our friend's aunts. This is Terrie's 2nd battle with cancer. Right now she and her husband are in Texas while she is undergoing treatment. Texas is a long way from Tennessee. Terrie and Brett have 3 teenage children who are still here at home. Kristy and I are trying to help raise money for their rent in Texas. Too bad no one has signed up to play! If no one signs up by this Friday we are going to have to cancel. So again to all you locals......if you want to play let me know. The 3 on 3 is going to be at the LaFollette Rec Center on Oct. 17th.

On to some good news............Cassie and Josh are homeowners!!! I am so proud of my little sister! Who knew that she would get married and buy a house before me? Well she did and she has and I am excited for her! They haven't moved in yet, so keep them in your prayers. Things can happen and deals can fall through so help me pray that all goes well and they can move in soon!!!!! She wants to be moved in and settled by Thanksgiving so we can eat at her house this year. So hopefully that can happen.

Now on to some not so good news........B and I are no more. Yes I know you are shocked. To be honest with you so am I. Please don't ask me what happened because I honestly don't know. So that leads me to my next prayer request..........help me pray that Mr. Right is right around the corner. Pray that he got tired and had to rest, but he is still on his way. That kinda makes him sound lazy huh? lol Anyway I know God has a plan for me and I just need to be patient, but that is soooo much easier said than done.

Ok lets talk about someone other than me. If for no other reason than I am asking, please go to this blog http://bandssullivan.blogspot.com/ and read! The Sullivans have been married for 5 years. I'm not 100% sure of details but she had breast cancer during her pregnancy. She ended up having to have an emergency c-section and soon after they got home started seizing. They have a brand new baby Chloe. I just keep thinking about this young guy that will not only have to grieve the love of his life but will be left with a brand new baby. Can you imagine how this poor guy must be feeling? I am sure any nice comment you have for him would help brighten his day. Stories like this make me feel selfish for being upset over boys! Isn't it amazing how terrible we can think our own lives are, only to hear about something like this?

Uh-oh a new addiction

B has gotten me addicted to NCIS. Ever watched it? Well if you haven't then you should. I would suggest starting with season 1 otherwise you will be a tad bit lost. I was at first, but now I am hooked. Tony reminds me of B. Maybe that's why I like it so much. Gibbs is my favorite though. Wonder why? Watch and you will see why.

Law and Order was my show of choice, but not anymore. NCIS is much more graphic, which I could do without, but it keeps me interested. With B in bama and me here we watch it together over the phone. Laugh if you want, but it works for us. The only problem is his TV is faster than mine so he knows what's going on before I do. Believe it or not I actually guess the killer before him sometimes. Sometimes being the key word in that sentence. Ha Ha!

Oh how I didn't need a tv show to be my new addiction. I watch way too much tv as it is. Oh well..................at least I can blame it on B!

Giveaway time!

I am not the only blogger with a giveaway going. Head on over to Monogram me http://mpmdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/09/giveaway-time.html and enter to win her awesome giveaway!!!! I am on my way there now..........................

Decisions decisions decisions

One of B's best friends is getting married Oct. 3rd......and I have NOTHING to wear!!!! Okay well that isn't exactly true. I have dresses, lots and lots of dresses, but I want something new for the wedding. I just don't know what..............so here are some options. Tell me what you think! Don't pay attention to the colors, I haven't decided on that either. I think the wedding is going to be decorated in brown, so I won't wear brown. Even though it would look good for pictures of me and B! I like the blues or maybe a green????? Anyway just look at the styles...................................................................

#1

Old Navy

#2

Old Navy


#3
Old Navy

#4

Old Navy

#5

Old Navy

#6

Old Navy

#7

Old Navy

#8

Old Navy

#9

Old Navy

#10

#11

#12

#13

Who needs sleep................

Ya'll know how much I hate posts without pictures, but my camera is in no shape right now, so I apologize............

It's late and I am tired, but somehow my brain thinks it's blog time. Not sure where this energy is coming from, but I am not wasting it. Today seemed like the longest day ever. Since I had school tonight I didn't take a lunch. That way I could leave an hour early and have plenty of time to grab dinner and actually make it to school on time. (Yes Mother I was on time, even 10 minutes early)

Sooooooo I walked into class with my giant Wendy's cup (full of way too much sugar) in one hand, and my laptop.... handbag.... notebook......north face.....and of course cell phone in the other. (Just walking to class carrying all my junk nearly gave me a heart attack) For some reason my laptop has to be on life support at all time, so I spent my whole 10 "early" minutes trying to find a seat near an outlet. When I finally found one I realized that my cell phone was dying....ahhhhh!!! So then I had to relocate to find another outlet. Ummmmmm is school really suppose to be this much work?

This class is interactive and I love it. It's nice to not have the teacher staring at you!! So imagine if you will......me sitting at a table with my laptop on facebook, feet propped up, snacking on a snickers bar and listening to a lecture about today's business world............life's good! Now it's not all fun and games. Interactive classes are sometimes harder for me because I don't have the teacher right in front of me to ask questions. By the time I say my name, what campus I am at, and wait for the camera to find me I have already forgotten my question....... Oh and Mother (yes I know you read my blog) I didn't stay on facebook the whole 4 hours of class. We get breaks ya know!!!!

At the start of hour 4 of 4 my lovely professor ask us to form groups and work on our business plan. Apparently the business plan is the final in this class. Anyway there are only 5 people in my class. Scott county only has 2 and Roane County has 1. He wanted us to be in groups of 2, but I think we have him convinced to let us do one team. Oh how I hope we do!!!! Who knew making a business plan could be so challenging?

I was never so glad to see 9:30 in all my life!!!!


So here I lay in my nice warm bed....awake. It's almost 1 a.m. which is only 12 B's time. Wonder if he is still awake. No probably not! Okay I am off to try and fall asleep, and if I can't there's always online shopping..............................................

Tacky?

Pretty sure all of you know how much I LOVE monogrammed things. Sometimes I think I may go a little overboard with it though. Anyway.......right now my toes are polished solid orange with white polka dots. Orange isn't my favorite color, but it is B's so I gave in. Actually I am really glad I did because I have gotten lots of nice comments about them, but now I am ready for a change. Yes I had thought about getting a T on my big toes, just my big toes, but now that I see this I am thinking NO!!!!

Sooooooo..............what do you think? Too much?

Doodledots Giveaway

These are made by a local so I am very excited to feature them on my blog!!! This drawing is for a bottlecap necklace. Head on over to www.doodledots.blogspot.com to check out all the neat items. Pretty sure Hannah and Lily are going to be sporting a doodledot bottlecap necklace soon!!! I am in love with this stuff!!!

I am drawing the winner on Oct. 1st!

Good Luck!!!