Movie Night

I am not too big of a Clint Eastwood fan; so when I was offered to see Gran Torino, I wasn't too thrilled. I went anyways cause I knew Matt wanted to see it. It was a real surprise. I really enjoyed it. It was one of those dramas that are unintentionally funny. Clint Eastwood was great. However, I did cry for the last 20 minutes of the movie. I suggest you guys go and see it.

MILK

Milk and cereal belong together; but as I have learned today, milk and cell phones do not.

Successful Surprise

So, I was at work on Saturday and I got the idea that I wanted to surprise Matt with a present. He told me once in passing about his paramedic school stuff that he needed to get a good new watch. So on Sayurday, I decided that's what I was gonna do. But how? I'm not good at surprises. But I was eventually successful.

We were shopping at Kohls and his friend called and asked if we wanted to double date at Crackle Barrell. We said yes, but they said it would be a little bit. So we finished at Kohls and I asked if we could go to Walgreens to "check my schedule." We go in and it couldn't have turned out more perfect. We walked by cosmetics and Kate was there. (She talks to everyone forever). As she's talking to me and Matt, I turn to watch tower towards us and guess what? He started looking. We talked about a few of them, and he really liked to one I already had picked out. We continue to go to the office to "look at my schedule" and then we went to Crackle Barrell. We had a fun night. Double dates are kinda fun!

The next day, he comes into work to pick me up. We sit in my car for a little and talk and I present him with the watch. He loved it and was so surprised. I then told him how I really knew my schedule and I tricked him. By the crazy things that took place, I actually surprised someone without them figuring out what I was doing.

Merry Christmas

I say this a day early because I work tomorrow, but I still mean it. I hope your holidays have been going well.

My dad came home Sunday for a week. I didn't realize how much I did miss him. My mom, brother, and I went to the airport to pick him up. While looking out the window at planes, a man comes up behind us and says, "What are ya'll looking at?" It was my dad. My mom and dad have been holding hands and cuddling and just loving each other. It's so sweet. It nice to know and see that after 22 years, they are still madly in love with each other.

Excited

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here, but I am so excited about it. This past two weeks and the next two weeks are my busiest but also most fun weeks. I have so much to do at work, but I have meet so many people and had so much fun. We have also had so much stuff to do at church and it's been great. The choir musical was great, the movies night was fun, and now I have two more Christmas parties to go to. Then to top it all off, I am goona get a vacation from work to go to Gatlinburg with the kidos. It's gonna be so much fun! I love Christmas. The one thing that can make it better would be snow. Here's to hoping for snow and that your Christmas time is going great too.

How can I keep from singing...

Today was out choir practice day for the musical. I had to miss it because of work. I hated that I couldn't go to practice. Jessica, Savannah, Val, and Laura all have som much fun in there.

Since I knew I was missing practice, I took my choir book home and practiced. I enjoyed it so much. Then i decided to play my flute. It was fun to play our musical on my flute. I have neglected it so much. But I learned something very important. While I am not the best singer or musician, I love to do it for my Lord and Savior. I can't wait till that day when I will do it forever.

Frustrations

I finally had a chance to sit down last night and catch my breath. While i sat, I realized that I was frustrated. I am frustrated about three major things.

One:

Our human video is Sunday and one of the kids said that they can't do it. We were gonna do it Wednesday night and this person didn't show up either. It makes me sad cause these kids are so happy and eager to do this and they all were let down. every time I see these kids, they wanna practice and make it perfect. They understand that we should praise and worship God with our best. I am so proud of them and it makes me sad to see these kids sad.

Two:

The youth Christmas party is Saturday and we were told to tell someone if we were coming and if we were bringing someone. So after church, I tell this person and ask if they need any help setting up. This person then tells me (rather rudely) that I'm not invited and can't come cause I'm not a youth. I kinda understand their point about me not being a youth, but these are my kids. I don't need to get a present from secret santa. I breaks my heart casue I work so hard and long with these kids and they want me there. i understand that I am not a youth, but in my defense, the adults that work with the kids are going. I'm not mad, but sad that I never get to "hang out" with the kids.

Three:

I am training to become a manager and I was told yesterday that my name wan't even on the list. I then ask how do I get my name on the list, and the answer is my store manager is supposed to. He lied to me. He said it was and that interviews and stuff were in December. This also makes me upset.

So I ask that you pray for me. That I will be more understanding and patience. Keep the kids in your prayers as they practice for the human video and the choir musical Sunday night.

Toilet Paper

I just don't understand it. Have you ever fought so hard with a roll of toliet paper?

Well, here's the picture. You pick up the roll of toliet paper and you look for the end. You start to pull away at the little gluey part. And guess what... it starts to shread. And as you pull, more and more come with it, the two ply becomes four ply, and the cat on the floor thinks it's a game. But the toliet paper is okay for the next user.

I would like a word with the person who decided that toliet paper needed glue.

Am I the only one who fights with toliet paper?

Trunk Clothes, Washing Machines, and Trips

I can't believe it's December 4th. Chirstmas is right around the corner. I just love this time fo the year. The only thing I don't like is being so rushed some times. Which is why I have Trunk Clothes. If you don't know, trunk clothes rae an extra shirt and jeans you keep in your car when you need a quick change. Like wednesday, I got off at 6 and changed and was at church at 6:30. Well, I decided it was time to wash my my trunk jacket. Which brings me to topic two.

I hate washing clothes. I usually try to make as little loads with as many clothes. And of course, I usually forget to check all the pockets. I got to was my jacket and I decided to check the pocket. I found fifty dollars. Which brings me to topic three.

The youth are going on a trip in December to Gatlinburg. We had a fifty dollar deposit due like forever ago and the rest is due now. Apparently I forgot to give my deposit. It's kinda funny cause it's always been in the car with me. So the moral of the story is 1.) Check all pockets when washing, 2.)Write stuff down, and 3.) and rotate trunk jackets more often.

Gas Prices

I had a lot of running around to do today and I needed to go ahead and get some gas. As I drove down the parkway, I noticed the prices were under #2! Wow! I stopped at one where it was #1.91 and $15 filled up my entire tank! It made me very happy! When I got home I looked in my Senior book and the price of gas then (which was almost 4 years ago) was 1.86! I am glad that gas is going down so much, cause it just puts a hole in my wallet!

Human Video

Wow! I am so excited about this group of kids and what they are doing for the Lord. Well, I guess I should start at the begining...

We had practice on Sunday, and Jessica, Cody and Shelby came. We were talking about possible next songs. They came up with Set Me Free by Casting Crowns. We all started talking ideas and realized we needed another guy to play Jesus. They girls decide to ask Craig. So we all journey to his office and find Isaac and Rachel. They ask Craig and then he turns it to Isaac. After some negoeating, Issac agreeded to play Jesus. Over the next hour, the kids gave and took ideas and came up with a human video. The idea is real neat and different. They all liked coming up with it together and so did I. It was amazing, for me, to watch. They made me a demon. :) And they want to do it in December. So when I asked Brian, he said do it on the 14th. They kids are so excited and ... it just makes me smile. It's so much fun and nice to know that one day we will be doing this everyday for the Lord. Just praising his name. I can't stop smiling.

So, please be in pray for these wonderful kids!

What I love...

Haircuts! My mom and I went and got a haircut today and it was awesome! I just love for people to play with my hair. When I was in elementary school, I had hair down to my butt and every morning before school, my friends braided it and played with it. I loved it. so, I loved having my hair washed and cut and all the good stuff put in it. I guess this is my softspot. and it was nice to have a little mother-daughter time to ourselves. It's so short. I can't wait to show you guys! :)

Guess What?

I got my manager keys today at work. I am so happy! I now have a key to everything. I was all nervous for a little bit cause Mr. B told me if I lost them, he would have to replace all the locks. I kept checking my pockets. But it was so nice and cool to do things all by myself without asking. I felt all powerful... J/K! But it was nice. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Voting

Just got back, and I have never seen so many people voting. I think that this may be the most voters in an election. I am very eager to see the outcome of this. I just hope that people are voting for the right reasons and not just to make history. But wahtever man wins the election, I will submit becasue this is who God has choosen to be in office. So, don't forget to vote!

Overnight

Last night, me and three other Walgreens employees worked overnight to switch the Halloween aisle into the Christmas aisle. I have never worked overnight before and after last night, I will never do it again.

I got to work at 9:45 and left around 8:45 this morning. And the time change just added to the confusion as to what time it was. While we were eating whataburger at 2 in the morning, we discussed the whole Spring Forward and Fall Back thingy. It was a deep discussion. :) We worked hard, listen to music and watched the sunrise. We ultimately decided that seeing the sunrise made working overnight worthwhile. It was very beautiful and I thank God for the oportunity.

Restoration Weekend

The youth are planning a trip to Gatlinburg this December. Be in pray for these kids. And in the meantime, enjoy this video of our church staff:

Snakes

I hate snakes!!! I took Sarah, Nikida, and Sadie out to pee last night and Sarah freaked out. She tried to run into the house but realized the door was shut. She then went to the side of our house where we have a pile of bricks. (We're installing a door into our backyard). She starts barking and growling like I have never seen. So, I go over thinking there is a squirrel or something. I start to move the bricks just to show her that there is nothing there and to calm her down. I found some baby snakes. I grab the closest thing, a pick ax, and go at them. I got three baby snakes until a momma snake came out. It hissed and went under the house into the crawl space. So at this point I dop the ax, grab the girls, and run into the house. There really wasn't anything to do last night, so we went to bed like normal.

This morning I called animal control people after I got the number from the police. So three guys came out (two were super hot). They go under the house and come out with two big snakes and a couple little one. They then sprayed some stuff aroung out property. We asked how much we owe them and they said nothing. They told us to call if we had any more. I am so proud of my dog. I am glad that they are okay and we're okay. I still hate snakes tho!

Mandy

Yesterday was my sister's 17th birthday party. (She's on left bottom in black). I can not believe that she is 17! Wow! It makes me feel so old and makes me wonder why time flies by so fast. She had about 7 girls come and spend the night. At one o'clock, they were still up! She had a great time. And I really like her friends.

I did wonder about my sister for a while because she hasn't been... well, she's a late bloomer when it comes to the brains. I know she's 17 now, but in her little world all that matters is school, having fun, and hanging out with friends. And to me that's okay. No boys. Well, at least not yet.

I am very proud of her and happy that she's happy. She does awesome in school, has good friends, and a good head on her shoulders. She wants to get a job in January. And guess where she wants to work... Walgreens.

I love her so much and I wish her the best in all things!

Phones

I have had my cell phone for a couple of years until I finally broke it. I then had to use my brother's old phone. Well, I finally got myself a brand new phone. And I have learned one thing... I am technology challenged! It's apparently a music phone and it's very complicated. I did accomplish a very important thing though... my mom and dad got one too. And guess what... They now know how to text. I am so proud of them. I guess my work is done! :) I'm am gonna go call Shelby and ask her how to operate this thingy! Ya'll have a great day!

God's Message to Women

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man, because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him, so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs. And supports him, as you were meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you.I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being, his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken, before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are my perfect angel, my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence. And my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes are beautiful, your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. he could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me. I have fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image - Woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God. So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In hurting her, you only damage your own heart. The heart of your Father and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib, that protects his inner self. Did you know that woman was so special in God's eyes?

~Author Unknown~

Walgreens

So, we had a manager meeting yesterday and Mr. Sheppard asked me a question. "Do you want your own store?" I have thought about being a manager for a long time. There are pros and cons. Pros: awesome insurance, retirement plan, my own hours, time for a family, money, my own store, and you get the point. Cons: being traded to awful stores, and the fact that I'm in school for physical therapy. I've been prayin about it for a while, and when Mr. Sheppard asked it kinda confirmed what I already knew. He said that I could have my own store in 1-2 years. And if I did, I'd be the youngest store manager. I submitted my application today.

I only have one more class and I'll have my bachlors in Biology. I will finish it this spring ansd I'm done with school. So, if I ever decided to go back and do physical therapy, I still have my degree. I owe no money for loans or anything to schools.

This is a big step, but I'm confident in my abilities and I know that this is what I need to do. Please keep this in your prayers. I'll let you know as more arises.

To go or not to go...

An old friend of mine it getting married. We were friends in high school, but since then have kinda lost touch. We say hey and hang out with our mutual friends, but nothing serious. Well, I got an invite to her wedding and shower. Then, she called the other day and left a voice mail. She wants me to come and serve at her wedding. I'm sorry that's what you pay people to do... serve. You don't ask your friends. I don't think that I am out of line in feeling this way. I thinks it crazy.

Besides, I'm not gonna go anyways. Her wedding is on November 1. This is they day of our church's 50th anniversary and my parents anniversary. I've already made obligations to the church's anniversary and now to my mom (cause since my dad'd in Texas, I'm sure she'll feel lonely). It's not like we're best friends, so I don't think it's a big deal if I don't go to her wedding.... I mean, serve at her wedding.

Bath Time

Today was bath day for the cats, dogs, and guinea pigs. And let me tell you, it was an adventure. I get home from church and my mom says that Nikida and Sadie are already in the tub and ready for a bath. I just got home and I knew that they would be excited so I went into the bathroom kinda nervous. And with good reason. As soon as I got in, they went crazy. They were jumping and wagging their tails. It took a while to settle them down, and when I did I got all the animals washed.

I don't know why my dogs do this, but when they get done, they run all through the house. Rolling on the couches, beds, floors, everywhere. So, now everything is wet, they are wrestling, and I am soaking wet. Apparently, when they get a bath, it's their job to get me wet too and give me a bath.

Since the youth weren't having anything today, I decided to take a nap. It was nice to finally have one. And I made it through the whole thing without interuptions. Since the dogs tired themselves out, they slept too. The only bad thing, my bed had two nice wet spots from where two lazy dogs slept. And you know what, I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love my babies... even when they get my bed wet :)!

Bama Boys

My dad has been in Texas for a few days now,and he is loving it. It was a bit hard on both my mom and dad for the first day or two, but it's going good now. My mom is cooking a lot and we are doing a few things to the house. One of our goals is to put a door in our kitchen that leads to the backyard. My dad started it but I kinda wanna finish it. I've watched my dad and helped him long enough, that I think I can do it. If not, he'll have something to do when he gets home.

Anyways, he is camped out in a tent with five other guys. All married. I think it's funny that out of all those guys, the married ones find each other. :) Well, they are all from parts of Alabama and living in a red and white tent, so the wives call them the bama boys. My mom has made friends with their wives. It's cool how things blend and come together like this. My dad toke my brother's portable DVD players and a few movies. Funny thing... they all love Kelly's Heroes. It's like a big slumber party for the guys. We all miss the Bama Boys but they are doing fine and having fun.