My Parent's Anniversary

My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 24! My dad really outdid himself and surprised my mom with a trip to Disney World, AND an updated version of her ring!! He took the diamond that he gave her when they got engaged (and she was a mere babe at 19,) the diamond my grandfather gave my grandmother on their 15th wedding anniversary, and then he added another diamond to even it out. The result is MAGNIFICENT!!!

What do you think??

I think it is a little ridiculous,myself, but my Mom definitely deserves it. They are such wonderful parents to four wonderful :) kids, and they have truly demonstrated for us and everyone else how to love all the time. Yall know how much I love them, and I could go on forever, but I want to get on to the Surprise Trip!!

My dad and I showed up at my mom's school on Friday and waited in the principal's office. The principal stopped my mom and her class and told my mom they needed her in the office, and that she would take her class back to the room. My mom came into the office and started crying when she saw my dad because she thought something was wrong. We took her outside, and my Dad said a lot of muchy-gushy stuff while I lingered in the background. Nana showed up, and we threw my parents into the car and started driving. While they sipped on champagne, I drove them to the airport. We dropped them off with my mom still not knowing where they were going. My parents had always said they would go to France by their 5th, then 10th, then 25th anniversary, and have never made it there. So, my thoughtful Dad made reservations at Epcot at the French restaurant for Saturday night. They enjoyed three days in Orlando without kids, and I think they wish they had gone without us before now :)

Isnt my dad the greatest?

(Blogger is acting up, so I'll add more pics later!)

The Iraq

I am sure that many of you have seen this, but I wanted to share... I should've been in pageants.

Fall Fun

Nothing gets me in the mood for the fall like THE FAIR!!! And even better this year, Memphis is having not one, but TWO, fairs. The family piled up and headed to the Delta Fair a few weeks ago. We enjoyed the rides, the food, and a John Angotti concert (if you've never heard him, he is Amazing!!). I also saw the woman with no head. Cost me $2. It was ridiculous. I had to see it for myself, though, because of my heritage. That's right, I gave Carny folk in my bloodlines. My great-great grandmother was nicknamed "Tiny." And not because she was the world's smallest woman. More like the opposite! And her husband (my great-great grandfather) and her son (great-great-uncle) rode the motorcycle's in the ball. So if I have any "quirkiness" about me, blame it on the carnies in my bloodline.

Another reason why I like the fall is FOOTBALL SEASON! Now, as a Mississippi State fan, this has been an oxymoron the last few years. And as a True Fan, I attended the LSU game (miserable), and planned a party for Tulane hoping to bring up the spirits of all State alum in Memphis! I was very excited and pulled out all my MSU serving pieces, sent out an e=--vite, and waited for the replies. On Tuesday (before the game on Saturday), Luke sweetly informs me that we do not get the station that the game will be televised on. WHAT?! But I've planned a party, and have out my hand-painted MSU pitcher!!! I even have Bulldog napkins!! Needless to say, I had to pack up my napkins and cowbell and head to Buffalo Wild Wings where we all enjoyed a

BULLDOG VICTORY!!!!

We were able to reschedule our house party for this Saturday! The Ramsey's, Zach, Shatephen, came over to watch us BEAT AUBURN!! That's right...the tigers...or war-eagles, were BULLDOG BAIT!!! After that victory, the Grabowski's came over with Bear, and we watched the Alabama-Arkansas game. Bandit and Bear had fun playing together, and we enjoyed everyone's company!

Another Fall update, Jake turned 10 on September 10!! I cannot believe he is so Old!! We attended his bday party at Putt Putt where we got to play Laser Tag. He had a joint bday party with another friend, and they were divided into two teams of five. At the last minute, Meg, Luke and I joined in. Luke and I were on Jake's team, and we won all 4 games! Megan was on the losing team, but she was a good sport about the whole thing. We came out of the arena, and we sweating...so disgusting considering we had to go to small group after that! Yuck!

Anyway...our Fall has really gotten off to a fun start! The weather has been fabulous, and I cant wait to go to Starkville this weekend for another W!

Interview with ME!!

Me, being interviewed by Trace...

1. If you had one wish, what would you wish for? Forget world peace, be selfish and wish for something personal. This is really selfish, but I think that I would wish that I always liked my body even though I ate whatever I want. I usually don't deprive myself of anything, but I think about everything that goes in. I think that is a huge difference in males and females, because I don't know any girl that can truly eat anything without thinking of its caloric intake, while guys can feast all day and never think twice.

1. What is your favorite game (board or other). My favorite board game is The Game of Life; has been since 6th grade!
2. What is your all time favorite thing to cook? And what is the recipe? :) Probably banana pudding....It is always a hit, and reminds me of summer!!! Family secret, sorry! Haha j/k....I have to call Nannie every single time I make it....but I know it is Sweetened condensed milk, cool whip, vanilla Instant pudding, vanilla extract layered in between bananas and 'nilla wafers.
3. If you could listen to only one type of music for the rest of your life, what genre would you choose? Country, hands down! There are so many songs that have positive memories attached, I would definitely have to go with that!
4. If you were in the witness protection program and had to leave the state of Mississippi and Tennessee, what city and state would you choose to live in and why? Colorado. I could hide in the mountains, ski, enjoy the scenery, and I know for sure Luke would come with me!!

If you would like to be interviewed, leave a comment and I will email you questions! ---------------- Now playing: Norah Jones - Rosie's Lullaby via FoxyTunes

Great Minds think Alike!!

Please go to Heather's blog immediately and read her ten reasons...I just did and realized how much we have in common!! Must have been living together for so long...she is so lucky!

Ten things...

I have been tagged by Trace to tell yall ten of my favorite things. Here goes: 1. My family. My husband is my best friend, and he lets me complain when I need to, and makes me laugh when I need that too. My parents are the greatest example of love that lasts; my siblings make me laugh until I cry and are three of my best friends. My grandparents are all crazy and make for some interesting holidays...and my aunts, uncles, and cousins are who I like to hang out with. It is such a blessing to be so close to so much of my family. Luke thinks we are all crazy, but he is starting to "get it", and why I like them all so much!! 2. Fall. I love the fall and the spring, but fall is definitely my favorites season. Last night at Supper Club, I ordered Orange Spice Tea because it tastes like autumn to me. I bought a Pumpkin Spice candle this week, and have slowly started pulling out my long-sleeved shirts. I love football games, the crisp, fresh air that follows the humid air of summer, and opening up our windows. 3. The beach. I love being on the beach in the middle of the summer when it is so hot you have to stay in the ocean all day (because I dont like to sweat, you see.) 4. Ice cream. My favorite is mint chocolate chip, but I dont limit myself on trying any and all flavors. My grandmother, my dad, and I all try to eat at least one bowl a day. I need the Calcium is my excuse. 5. My dog. If you have read any of my posts, you know how much I adore Bandit. Enough said. 6. Making things with my hands. I have recently expanded my knitting world into blankets and hats, and there is something about the finished product that is extremely satisfying. Same way with cooking and growing flowers. I think in our world where everything is premade, it is nice to be able to say, I made that! 7. My job. I have the most wonderful job as a postpartum/nursery nurse. I get to help new parents adjust to their new roles, and hold new babies all day long. What a blessing! 8. Mississippi State. College was so much fun, and such a wonderful period of growth. I miss my friends daily, but also Starkville. I think living on campus all four years really gave me a sense of home when I am able to go back and visit. 9. Friends. There is just something about talking to an old friend that makes everything in life ok. 10. Being outside. I love to cut the grass, plant flowers, ride horses, read, and just sit outside. It relaxes me more than anything I can do inside. And now it's my turn to tag: Tricia, Laurette, Jessica, Jordan, and Audra

Katiebug's Birthday!

Luke's little sister, Katie, turned 23 on August 24! We left for Tupelo after I got off work on Friday night and had a wonderful Birthday weekend with her and Ms. Amy. I made "Katiebugs" in honor of the event, and Luke and I got a ladybug pinata and red and black balloons. We had Katie's favorite meal, and enjoyed being able to hang out with her and Michael. We also got to talk about the upcoming wedding (they changed the date to January 12!) Katie is such a wonderful sister-in-law, and from the stories I have heard, put up with a lot from Luke as a child. She is so level-headed and calm, and I enjoy being around her so much! I really lucked out when I got married to Luke, because she is a doll!

-

Megan-Bob-Parsley's Birthday!!

My favorite little sister turned 22 on August 19! I know I am a little (ok, a lot) late, but I still wanted to tell her how much I love her!!

Reasons why I love Megan Annette Bousson:
1. She is the most hysterical person I have ever met...she will make you pee your pants,
2. She is beautiful. And she was the cutest (ok, 2nd cutest) little girl ever. She used to set up our family video camera and tape herself singing, dancing, and just talking. So funny!
3. She tells it like it is. Most people cant get away with half the stuff she says.
4. She has style. From music to clothes, to her "scent-of-the-month", she always knows whats in and whats out...and is always quick to point out what's out that I have on (refer to #3).
5. She has a tattoo...I have always wanted one and have never had the guts to actually go through with it, which she quickly pointed out the night she got it and I was fuming.
6. She's my little sister, my best friend, my closest confidante, and my hero.

I love you Meggie!

Joey & Cassie's Wedding Festivities

My cousin, Joey, and his lovely fiance (now wife) Cassie got married August 18! I know I am a little late, but I wanted to post pics from the Bridesmaid's Luncheon, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner, and Wedding! We had so much fun at all the parties, and are so excited Cassie is now a Bousson!!

The Bridesmaid Luncheon was at this fabulous tearoom in Arlington, TN about 20 minutes from Collierville. This lady runs the tearoom from her home, and it is decorated perfectly. She has a ton of antiques, and it is exactly what I would like my house to look like one day!That night, we met up at Erin (a BM) apt downtown. The theme was "Golfers" , like on The Wedding Date. There was a big group of us, all in argyle socks!! I love a good theme party, so you know we got all into it. We ate dinner at the Majestic Theatre on Main St, and then hit Beale. We all had a really good time, and Meg and I even stayed on the bull for 8 seconds!!

I was lucky enough to be recruited to hold babies during the rehearsal (such a treat!), and then the rehearsal dinner was at Elfo's. Elfo's is this deliciously fabulous restaurant, and it is in a building, but the shops all open to a walkway on the inside and it looks like a French village (I guess, I never have been to a French village...haha). It is just a really neat set-up, and I had one of the best steaks I have had in a while! YUM YUM!! After the dinner, one of our cousins, Adam, (well, he is really Joey's-my cousin-cousin on the other side of the family, but we claim them anyway), is the manager at Seize the Clay. He opened it up for us, and we painted pottery and ate some more until about 1:30....I love hanging out with all of my family because we always have so much fun together!!The wedding was at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. When I say it takes your breath away, I mean it. It could be in a movie it is so pretty! And of course, Cassie looked gorgeous! We had a little flash flood issue, but it just cooled everything off. The reception was at the Zoo, and we all had a wonderful time! Cassie, everything was perfect!!

Addendum to the below post

The only song Bandit will sing along to is "Happy Birthday." He won't sing to anything else, not even Happy Birthday in Spanish. Until this morning. At 5:41 am, I hear the Mississippi State fight song being played as loud as our little computer speakers will allow. And then I hear Bandit singing along with it!! From my cozy spot in bed, I can also hear Luke laughing hysterically, and then stating, "Now THAT is a proud parental moment!!" (Trace, I will make SURE he sings it for you next time we see you, knowing it's your FAVORITE song and all!!)

Hail Dear Old State

I just made Luke climb up into the attic to find my cowbell for the opening game tomorrow night. It was music to my ears the second I heard it ring. We can't wait to be in Starkville tomorrow night. See yall there.

Housewife Extraordanaire

Luke's days as a housewife are officially over. He started work today for the Town of Collierville as a town engineer ( I think). He works approximately 3 miles from our house in Town Hall. He was really excited about starting, and I was so happy for him. He was a good housewife, but his priorities and mine were evidently different. As most of you know, I stayed home the first three months of our marriage. I was in the process of getting my nursing license, but I enjoyed every minute of being at home. It gave me a chance to get organized, are apartment was as clean as it could get, and we had supper everyday whenever Luke arrived home. I look forward to being a housewife again one day. Not Luke. I would call at lunch to see what he had been doing all day, and his response was either A.) building something, B.) Playing fantasy baseball, or C.) planning our ski trip for March (get excited, Heather...he took his job really seriously). I didn't mind him doing any of these three things, but I know he was ready to get out of the house, and out from under my Honey Do list.

I hope he found someone to sit with at lunch!

Happy Sneak a Zucchini onto your Neighbor's Porch Day!

I knew Tricia and I were meant to be friends when I discovered our love for this holiday! Ways to successfully get rid of excess zucchini: -Carefully place a dozen or more zucchini in a large, sturdy black plastic trash bag, then add a couple layers of unwanted clothing. Drive to nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army, hand over bag to nearest volunteer. Politely refuse any offered receipt. Leave quickly. -Look for out-of-the-way places which have signs posted, "Clean Fill Wanted." -Under light of full moon, either stark naked or wearing full army camouflage, carrying a machete or any garden implement, run amuck in your zucchini patch, cutting and slashing. Be sure to thank Mother Nature for her bounty before and after this cathartic experience. -Buy a large roll of freezer paper--the kind that sub shops use. Then proceed to wrap each zucchini that has managed to grow to a foot or more in length. Next time your child has a fundraiser, send him or her out supplied with these phony subs. Tell child to drop them off with neighbors or relatives and leave quickly. It's advisable that a responsible adult hover nearby in a get-away car. -Gather all available plastic containers and freezer bags. Drink a vat of your favorite caffeinated beverage, in preparation for staying up 'round the clock to purée large quantities of zucchini. This can then be packaged neatly and artistically labeled: "For Zucchini Nut Bread Recipe." These packages can be freely given, along with copies of recipe, to anyone on your Christmas list.

Any other suggestions on how to celebrate?

I truly love the fair...

An acquaintance might know you like to eat...
A good friend loves you even when you have a Happy Plate...
A great friend encourages your consumption of fair food!

Thanks, Tracy, for our very own funnel cake maker! We love it!

True Love

Some girls like for their husbands to send flowers to show their love,
Some like a release of a hundred white doves.
Others prefer dinner and a night on the town.
And others like to dance and be spun all around.
No, not me, when I want to know,
I look out the window and there is a glow.
Luke is slaying my biggest enemy,
The one with the warning: Leaves of Three; Let it Be.

I have been struck with the worst case of poison Ivy I have experienced to date. I occasionally have been pestered by this annoying interference, but this time it is bad! It is on every extremity, my eyelids, my neck, and several unmentionables. I think Bandit brought it in on his fur, and then I touched him, and then I took a bath, and it spread life a wildfire in Orlando. I have been so miserable, I let Luke srub my arms tonight with a dish scrubby pad and then srub it with this medicine called TecNu while running it under scalding hot water. I was relieved to find I had followed all the steps recommended, but it does not help the miserable itching! The only positive is that I am in Nursing Orientation this week so I am sitting in a classroom, because could you imagine an oozing nurse bringing you your baby. I look like the guy from Scary Movie. My Germs!

On a side note, the first time I can remember having poison ivy, I was at Kamp Kiwani (girl scout camp). I had teeteed in the woods, and picked the wrong spot to squat. Lauren Parsons was recruited to put calamine lotion on my tush, and as I lay on the bed of our cabin nekkid, our counselor walked in. I bet she thought we were freaks...I decided if she would do that then she would be a good freshman roommate in college, and that didnt even run her off because she was a bridesmaid! Good thing she didnt hold any of that against me!

A Weekend of Friends

I know I am way behind, but the weekend of July 20-21, I got my friend fix that I had been needing. Minus the wedding festivities of Brad & Sara and Darrow & Sissy, I had not seen any of my friends since December 9. I had met some really neat people in Tyler, but there is something about an old friend that knows everything about you that cannot be imitated.

When I was in high school, I was on the pom squad my freshman and sophomore year. Only two people from my squad tried out the next year, but we all wanted to stay friends and our moms liked to hang out too. So The Supper Club was born one February night at Benihana's, and we still meet monthly 8 years later. Every summer, we all go to Oxford for a slumber party at my friend, Whitney's, house. (Her grandparents and family are huge Ole Miss fans, bless their hearts, and the grandparents built a huge house for the grandkids to live in while they were in college, and for the whole family to stay in when the Rebels are losing...oh, I mean playing.) This year, our group consisted of the following:

Whitney, Courtney, Laura, and MeMrs. Queena (Tracy's mom),Mrs. N (Laura's mom), Mrs. Hathaway(Dori's mom), Mrs Cyndi (Whits mom), and Kath.

We had a wonderful time, as we always do when we get together, and even got the Mom's to go to a bar to see a girl we know sing! It was hysterical seeing our mom's in their capris in a bar. And I will admit I was feeling my age when several of my YoungLife girls ran up to me. I felt ancient! We usually sing karoake when we get back to the Cole's, but this year my wonderful friends humored me and watched my wedding video. I don't think they minded too much, though, because they were all over it! (hope not anyway!)

Move on to Saturday, and I traveled to God's country, Starkville, MS. My college friends were meeting for a reunion at Tricia's adorable apt! I got there in time for lunch at The Deli, and had my usual Beef and Peppers! We went to Dandy Doodlez and each painted some pottery. I amde a Christmas ornament! We drove around that afternoon, made them watch my wedding video, and then hung out that night at Tricia's (after eating cheese sticks from The Grille, of course). Tricia and I ended up staying up till 3 talking! Two nights in a row...just like college all over again. I had so much fun catching up on everyone's lives, and absolutely did not want the weekend to end! I cant wait for football season so I can see everyone more frequently. Once every 7 months just doenst quench my thirst!

I love yall!

Home Sweet Home

Here are a few pics of our new abode. Here Luke throwing me out the front door because I hadn't cooked supper. Haha...It was really us trying to set up the self timer so we could get him carrying me over the threshold.

One more time.

Here is the view from our front porch looking in:

Dinig room: please dont mind the aquarium on the floor and the mismatched chairs...the chairs are going back to the attic!)

(and I realize I wrote Dinig...my dad had to draw houseplans in college for an architecture class, and on his final project he accidentally misspelled DINING and wrote DINIG. So now if you are ever at my house and someone says eat in the Dinig room, we are not being disrespectful, we are making fun of my dad. My dad also boxed in college, but that is a whole 'nother blog.)

Kitchen: (and my cute husband making fried rice)The man room: (This room was Lecile's bedroom. He is the famous rodeo clown. Seriously.) The I Love Lucy Pink bathroom. Luke loves it. Yea it's sidewise. Yea I am tired:

And the back yard: Our room...and we finally got a bed...no bedroom furniture yet, but we have a BED!!:


Right now the walls are MSU Maroon. I think we are going to pain them the blue of that throw on the end of the bed...

Note: The guest room was not ready the day of the photoshoot...I'll have pics soon!

We are getting settled in and loving having space to move around...and I love the hardwood floors because I can tapdance nightly! We have also already had two overnight houseguests. Jake spent last Thursday with us and ate ice cream all night. Luke's mom, Ms. Amy, came last weekend. We had a wonderful time! Friday night, Gone with the Wind was showing at The Orpheum-So fun! It was actually Blake's idea...he was taking his girlfriend because it is her favorite movie, and then Meg and I heard about it and jumped on the bandwagon. Blake would've never known I was there, except that they sat two rows in front on us! I know Natalie loves us! haha! Then Saturday, we shopped on the Square in Collierville, ate at the Silver Caboose (yummy), and then I cooked for everyone that night. Sunday we went to church (Luke and I love where we have been visiting), and then to my grandparents for a fish fry. Very fun weekend with our families.

We would love to have some more house guests. Please come visit!

Our Moving Adventure

We've moved!! Sorry for the blogging absence; I am sure yall have missed my life. Our move back to Collierville was an adventure in itself. I went and picked up a U-haul to attach to the back of Luke's new car on a Thursday. That night, Luke and I loaded all of our "big" furniture into the front of the U-haul. The "big" furniture included our china cabinet (which had previously resided in our bedroom), a dresser, an oversized chair, and a big screen tv. By the time we were pulling the tv from the second story, a guy that lives underneath us came out to help. As he was offering, I heard these words coming out of my otherwise-precious husband's mouth, "Oh, no. We got it!" I immediately replied, "Of course we would love some help. He thinks I am a boy!" Needless to say, I let our nice neighbor come to my rescue much to the amusement of my husband. The next day, I spent from 9-5 loading the rest of our apt into the back of the U-haul. It was full from top to bottom. When Luke got home from work, we were going to load his work truck and 4-wheeler trailer with our washer and dryer, and then all of the rubbermaids with my winter clothes. As we hitched up the trailer, the bottom fell out of the sky! We had to make a quick decision to load up the Vue (aka the TicTac, the space shuttle, Sally), and head out.

Bandit usually is a baby and refuses to step a paw out in the rain, but somehow he escaped out of our apartment door and sprinted to my car. We found him perched in the front seat ready to leave. We still had a few things to load, and then we both had to shower, but Bandit refused to get out of the car. He was so afraid we were going to leave him, he found his seat early, and didn't even bark when we went back inside!
We finally left Tyler about 6:30, and things were fine (minus the twister that was blowing in) until we hit the interstate and started to pick up speed. As soon as Luke hit 65 mph in the Red Rover + Uhaul, the stupid thing started swerving from one lane to the other. And when I say swerve, I am not talking about a little movement, I was behind him and thought it was going to throw him off the road, or into the 18-wheelers headed our way. We had to once again regroup and make the decision to not go home via interstate. This meant that we would be driving from Texas, to southern Arkansas, to northern Louisiana, to Mississippi, and then north to Memphis. This meant that our usual 6.5 hour drive was going to take 11+ hours. This meant I would not get into bed until 4:30 am. But, this also meant we were home!

Memphis Barbies

I am sure many of you have seen this before, but I think it is funny every time! And, I love Barbies, so enjoy: Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Greater Memphis market:

"Germantown Barbie" This princess Barbie is sold only at the Towne Center. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.

"Collierville Barbie" The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

"Frayser Barbie" This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife,a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) unless you are a cop...then we don't know what you are talking about.

"38120 Barbie" This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Kenand Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

" Olive Branch Barbie" This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud Lite and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.

"Millington Barbie" This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Millington Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.

"Cooper-Young Barbie" This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two C-Y Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

"Raleigh Barbie" This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant. "Brooks Road Barbie/Ken" This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Kenby simply adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on parts.

Anything else!

I know I have probably bored yall to death with the details of our last two weeks of life, but GET OVER IT, I'm not done! My mom and two of my three grandmothers went yesterday to look at a house for Luke and I to rent. My mom says it is adorable, and we can move in Saturday, so we decided to do it. I have had a very grown up week...buying a new car, moving into a house...It is three bedroom and 1 bath, and just south of Collierville. If you have ever been to a rodeo in the South, you probably saw Lecile Harris, the rodeo clown. It is his mother's house, and we will be living right next door to the legend.
I am not sure how we are going to get all of our junk home, but when we do, I will be sure and post pictures so you can see how cute the house is! (I am saying that to be funny, because I haven't seen it yet :)


And other breaking news...

KATIE AND MICHAEL GOT ENGAGED!!

Katie is Luke's little sister got engaged yesterday on the top of Klingman's Dome. Her and Michael are planning on getting married next April. We are so excited for them! Yea!!

Goin to the Chapel...

Luke's best friend, Darrow, got married this past weekend to Sissy! The wedding was lakeside, and absolutely beautiful! You could really see the personality of the bride and groom throughout the details of the wedding and reception. I love how all weddings arent cookie cutters of each other, but can all be totally different. Good job, Sissy!
Luke's mom and sister came up from Tupelo, and we were able to hang out with a lot of Luke's buddies! We had a wonderful weekend and are so excited to be living close to Darrow and Sissy now!
Love yall!

Pimp My Ride

Luke had an interview in Memphis last Friday, and felt like it went really well. He drives a company truck, so when he moves next weekend, he will be carless. We went car shopping last Friday after his interview, and had quite the adventure. We were riding along with Pedro (no lie) when I starting trying out all of the buttons. The sunroof made a sound like a cat in heat, and then the back sunroof didnt move at all. (Is that a vulgar thing to say? If you have ever heard that sound, it is absolutely terrifying!) As Luke pushed in the driver's side window button (and when I say pushed in, I mean he pushed it and it disappeared), we looked at each other and laughed. So, we came back to Tyler still in need of a car. We drove to Dallas yesterday to look at a few that he found in AutoTrader. We get to the first lot, and see the 1994 Land Rover that Luke had researched. It was the oddest thing, but no salesman approached us at all. We went up to the door and I just knew they were closed, but they were defintiely open and gave us the keys to look in in and take it for a drive. Didnt make sure we had a license or anything!The guy said there wasnt a price on it, so he asked The Boss, who answered a whole lot less than what was listed on the internet. I think I talked about this before, but we are on the Dave Ramsey way of life, and wanted to pay cash for whatever we bought. This was a huge step for Luke who bought the biggest, baddest truck he could last March (it was stolen a few months later, which ended up a blessing in disguise!) His new car is a huge downgrade, but I am so proud of him for sticking to the plan! My DR guru makes me proud. Anyway, he drove it home from Dallas, and we got the oil changed and they said there was nothing on it that needed anything! That is a better prognosis than when I take my Saturn in. They always have something to fix on it (See They Call me a Grease Monkey post). We loaded it up last night, so keep your fingers crossed it makes it to Memphis this weekend!

FLORIDA.FLORIDA.FLORIDA.

If you are ever in my home the morning we leave for Bousson Vacay, you will hear this chanted throughout each room. And it sounds more like Florda than Florida, but you get the picture. We had a wonderful week in Perdido Key, and Luke was able to join us! He got there at 5:30 am on Monday morning. He was absolutely exhausted, but I was so glad to see him I didnt care! The group this year was Dad, Mom, Me, Luke, Megan, Blake, Jake, Nana (Megan Dale), Luke, and Natalie (Blake's gf). Will, Blake's BFF, who usually comes and plays with Jake had to work. But he did make it down on Thursday after Luke and I had already left. We all got plenty of sun, seafood, and time with each other. Natalie hung with the rest of us, and Megan and I love her because she makes fun of Blake. If any of you know Blake, he needs to get knocked down a few levels every once in awhile. We were able to get to the outlet mall in Foley, and they had some great Fourth of July deals. I got a ton of stuff at the Gail Pitman outlet that was Buy One, Get Two Free! Who's ever heard of such?! That night we ate at Lambert's, and I think I am still full from all of the fixins! One of our secret family talents is our ability to ride the waves. I never thought I was too old, because my Pawpaw taught me how, and he is a grandfather. Well, this year my dad was getting ready to push me out at the critical moment between catching the wave and it washing over you, when he almost pushed me on top of a five year old little girl and her Daddy doing the same thing. I swerved out of the way, and then washed up on the beach at the feet of two grown men. It is very hard to stand up gracefully after getting flung 50 feet by a wave in the ocean. Maybe it is time to hang up my boogie board, but I refuse! We are also a very musical family and have done our best to teach Jake the classics. George Strait, Cheech-n-Chong, Meatloaf, Fergie, the list goes on and on. This year, Dad found his Charlie Daniels CD (or record as he calls it) just in time to hear the Star Spangled Banner on the fiddle for the 4th. Little did I know Jake was such a fan: I could stay at the beach for the entire summer and not ever get tired of it, but our week in the sun was absolutely fabulous!

Goodbye, Ole Paint, I'ma leaving Cheyenne

Alrighty! I am back! I have so much to blog about and so little time. I have not let myself get on here because I always seem to get sidetracked.

I will start with pictures of my Going Away Partay! All of the sweet nurses on my floor brought goodies and treats on my last night. Vanessa made a Reese's cheesecake that was absolutely divine, and the boss, Carole-Anne, brought a cake that displayed their love for yours truly! :)
They gave me a cute gift bag (my favorite color) of things to remember them by. Vanessa also gave me her scrub top that had cowboys and cowgirls on it so I will be able to take some Texas to Tennessee.Later that night, the security guard who wasnt even on duty that night, came up and brought cookies for the celebration (and I mean I was celebrating my LAST night!). When he is in uniform, he could defintiely pass for the Italian gespacho (police). Anyway, it was a lot of fun, and I am truly going to miss everyone I worked with. Maybe not the huge patient load, or working 6 of my last 7 days in Tyler, but the nurses and staff were all wonderful and so helpful to a new nurse!
Thanks yall!