Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Turkey Day People!!!

I hope everyone was as blessed as we were to not only spend Thanksgiving with Daddy home, but also surrounded by family!! In my book, any day that includes family and good food is just a blessing!

We headed over early so I could try to take a family picture of my Aunt & Uncle and their boys. Don't they look great?!


It was a really nice day! I wish I had taken the time to take pictures of the day and of everyone, but I guess I got sidetracked! I did snag a picture of Regan carrying around this poor little puppy! She toted this little pooch around pretty much all day.....and it just let her! Too cute!

I attempted to take a family picture of us before we left for their house, I think it's funny, but here it is! Samara was trying to stick her nose in, so I grabbed her so she could be in it!



And a blog isn't complete without a picture of the "Ham" doing her thing! LOL



On a more serious note, we really have so much to be thankful for! And not just today because it is Thanksgiving, but everyday! My family lost it's matriarch in February of this year. It was a blow to all of us. Unfortunately the loss of this great woman has not only left a void in our family and an emptiness in our hearts, it has also separated parts of our family!

I am thankful that Mamaw was a part of our lives! That she was able to know Regan and they were able to bond!

I am thankful that Papaw has been so strong and has stayed around for the family! We need him.

I am thankful that my Aunts and Uncles were and still are there for him to give him the support he needs.

I am thankful for all of my family and all of the memories and special bonds we have.

I am thankful to be a wife and mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece & friend.

I am thankful for a great husband who works hard and provides well for his family. He is truly an amazing man and my best friend!

I am thankful to have a daughter who amazes me and keep me on my toes each day. She is a blessing and I know we are lucky to have had her.

I am thankful for all of the friends that I have been blessed with! I am really surrounded by such caring and amazing women! They are awesome!

I am thankful for our health - mind and body and hope we continue to be blessed the way we have in the past years!

To everyone reading this ~ I hope you and yours are truly blessed for years to come! I hope that you appreciate each moment you have with the ones you love and make the best of it.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008! Be Blessed!!!

A Religion Rant

I was not raised in a religion, though when I was about 10 my mom started us with Jehovah's witnesses (which 1/2 of my family is), then in Jr High I latched onto a friend and started going to a Christian church with his family. My ex husband and his family were Catholic and the other half of my family is Catholic. I have had a taste of all of those and attended a non denominational/gospel church for a few years and been to a Lutheran church. I am extremely open minded, I do not attend church but take it upon myself to live my life the best way I know how. I try to live in a way that I can be proud and have no regrets. I do believe in God and pray and thank him daily. My daughter was baptized when she was little. I cannot classify myself to a religion because I feel that if I were to be "a religion" I would need to do it all the way! And since there are things about Catholicism and J.W.'s, I cannot fully commit. And picking and choosing what I do or do not want to abide by is just not how it works.......contrary to what many people seem to think!

I have encountered far too many people who, let's say - smoke pot. They know it is wrong, they admit it, ask for forgiveness then do it again. When I asked this one girl about it she said all I have to do is ask for forgiveness and I will be forgiven. So, basically her interpretation is that she can continuously commit sins, as long as she remembers to ask for forgiveness. DO WHAT?! So does that mean that everyone should do whatever they want, killing and hurting people all their lives and then on their death bed all they have to do is ask God to forgive them and their sins will be washed away?? What about those of us who live a good life? Whether it be in church every week or outside of it??

I HATE people who talk religion and then do horrible things! Do you know the people that I see behaving the worst, judging the most and committing the most sins are ALWAYS the ones who claim to be so religious. Can someone PLEASE help me to understand this??

In my life I do the right thing because I want to. Because I want to live the right way and be a good role model for my child. Being proud of the life I lead is what is important to me. Not doing something bad just because I think I can say sorry and make it all okay! What does anyone learn by repeating bad behavior??

Anyways, I got into this topic because of a post a read on the Acadiana Moms site. It was about how a Priest in South Carolina is asking anyone who voted for Obama not to take communion. So this article was posted and chat about religions and beliefs ensued and I was really in awe! The Priests pick and chose it seems what it wants to stand up for and probably only when it's convenient for them. Telling people that based on their political beliefs they have sinned and should not partake in communion. Wow!

I voted for Obama and am proud of it. Everyone has something that drives them, something they are passionate about and topics that are important to them. (I will talk politics another day!) I thought that the cardinal rule of most religions is Thou Shalt Not Judge......but I assume this is only when it is in the best interest of whomever is in power! Or power - trippin! LOL

Anyways, I am done ranting! I plan to find us a church soon here in Broussard. There is a church I have in mind and I hope it works out!

On a final note, whatever religion you choose, whatever God you pray to, just please commit. If you are going to go to church or call yourself a Christian or Catholic or anything else - proudly conduct yourself as such. No one can bash you for that!!

Safari of Lights & Baking With My Baby!

We took Regan to the Safari of Lights at the Zoo on Sunday!
While I am a huge lover and supporter of the Zoo, I have to admit we
were pretty disappointed with the whole thing!

We went specifically that night because it was member's night. There was a
HUGE line to get inside. Then once we finally made our way towards the
concession for the Monkey Meals, there was a line all around the area.
We decided it wasn't worth it to stand in line for 20 minutes for a few hotdogs.

We then made our way to the train........you guessed it - another long wait in a line!
The poor train conductor was all alone selling tickets, making popcorn and then
driving the train. We made it a few spots from the front of the line when
he closed up selling tickets to go drive the train. I couldn't believe
they had him up there alone. By the time we got to ride he finally had
some help! But not only were they working him to death, but it made the
waits and lines so long for everyone!

Half the lights were either not working or had not been put up yet.
They were still working on some when we were walking through.

I doubt we will partake in this event next year! But I did capture a few
pictures of Regan while we were there. We left about an hour into it
and headed to eat at Taco Bell - Regan's choice! Then a little
shopping at Target.

Regan and I did some mother daughter baking tonight.
I needed to test a recipe and she is always eager to help!

Here are some pictures from all the fun!!

I swear I do NOT tell her to pose like that! LOL

Filling the Muffin pan

Sprinkling powdered sugar on top

Waiting and watching them rise

Time to taste

YUM

Big bite!

I think we did good!!

That completes our family fun for now!!

At Long Last....as Promised!

It is still a work in progress, but here are some pictures! There are lots of things to hang on walls and TONS of boxes yet to unpack. There are no picture of Regan's room because until the finish painting the wall, we cannot finish situating it.

Anyways, here is our humble abode!!


Kitchen

The Kitchen and kitchen into dining area

The Dining Area from the Living Room

Our Living Room.
I LOVE our new couch!!

Living Room looking into the Kitchen

So I splurged on a Steinworld piece. I love it and it looks
like it was made for that corner!!

The New TV Console

Going.......

Gone! :o)

Living Room & Foyer

Regan's / Guest Bath

The Master Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Having Some Fun & A House Full of Critters!

Our house is definitely never without laughter! This is in part by having a very creative and fun little girl in the house! Sometimes......okay MANY times I look at her with a raised eyebrow and think, now why is the world would you even do that?! This was one of those occasions for sure!


I was sitting at the kitchen table when I heard the dog's kennel being messed with. I started to automatically fuss, but once I saw this, I laughed and ran to get my camera! I still cannot believe she was able to fit in there! lol And yes, it is definitely tempting to title this "discipline" LMAO!!





We now have a new inside pet! Samara is about 3 years old and we have had a tough time potty training her. I am starting to think this had a lot to do with the way our Jeanerette house is laid out. With the breezeway, etc. Anyways, once we got to the new house, we started trying her inside more. Then about a week later, it poured for a few days making our backyard into a huge mud pit. There was no way she could be outside. So we started walking her in the front yard to potty and she never once had an accident! I am so elated!! So here she is, our inside dog!!


I really think she is enjoying life inside!! She looks forward to snuggling up on daddy's lap every night!! And see.....plenty of room for all the critters in the house!!




So I bought myself my first Christmas Cactus and am VERY excited about it! I used to work at a Chiropractor's office before moving to Louisiana and the wife had the most beautiful plants. I used to admire them and wanted one for myself. Well, at Walmart last week I happened upon a few sad little plants for $7 and decided to try one out! It is so lovely and I honestly cannot look at it without smiling!!



So if you don't know, I LOVE to take pictures of my female cat Cyndar! I think she is just gorgeous and even at 9 she is still feisty as ever. She definitely runs the roost around here! LOL Anyways, here are a few pictures of her sitting pretty, playing on the chair and snoozing on my bed. I just thought she looked so cute on the black and white!!






Well, I know everyone is expecting pictures of the house, but I tell you it's been too rough to get everything organized! Just when the house was almost presentable, they had to cut the hole in the wall in Regan's room. This was the first hole. It ended up being about 6 feet high and looked like a doorway. Anyways, they have been in about 5 times to mud and texture and they still have to come clean the carpet and pad and paint the wall and moulding. So they have been tracking so much mess through the house. Then in between we finally get the TV console and it's been a work in progress too. Plus, every time we hang something there is a mess to follow that.



My hope is to get the house done soon! I was going to do everything tomorrow, but I just remembered they will be over on Monday to finish up and ultimately make me another mess! I do need to get on the ball though.....in about a week the Christmas decorations will be going up! LOL

One Day at a Time!!

Man, I just can't seem to keep up with life these days! I fully intend to blog each day or so, but there is so much going on I'd either be writing the longest blogs ever, or 3 or 4 a day to cover everything!

Let me see if I can give a quick rundown of the crap that has been going on here. Our furniture issues are still not over! We got a call last week saying our replacement couch would be delivered on Tuesday (yesterday). When asked where our TV console was, I was told they didn't know where it was or when it'd be here. To give it 7-10 business days. I was like "from today?!?!". I saw red. It was supposed to have already been 7-10 business days frokm the 31st, when they delivered! Anyways, we went in on Sunday to fuss! Monday we get a call letting us know the console is in and will be delivered with the couch. Tuesday morning, we get a call saying that the console will be delivered today, but not the couch......are you KIDDING me?! I was so pissed! Bub was taking Regan to school and I was going shopping and out to lunch with Jeanne and Heather. So I got ready and headed over to Brown's. I was told they didn't know when who or what. That the console was never there for the first delivery and wasn;t damaged as we were told. That the couch wasn't there last week, and no one knows why we were called to set up delivery. I was like whatever. He ended up putting $100 back onto my debit card for the troubles! I told him I told a lot of people to go to Brown's, refering both him and Bryan my saleman. I told him I was about to have to reverse all of it! He didn't like hearing that! lol

The TV console did come today! It is awesome and well worth the outrageous pricetag! It has tons of storage, and this one we special ordered actually has racks for DVDs! Now if we can just keep Regan from playing with it and making the TV go in and out of it, we will be fine! lol

Bub still hasn't returned to work. It's weird definitely, but doesn't bother me a bit! We still have things to do and the more time he is home the faster we can get everything done! He went to a meeting Monday and they said they might not be ready to go back out until 2009! Crazy, right?! But since the pay hasn't changed it effects us very little! And thankfully we do not drive each other in sane with him home all day everyday!

You know my Aunt says that it is written somewhere that if a marriage can make it through building a house it is a marriage solid and meant to be. I thought that was a very good point until this. I think the REAL test of a marriage is one being a SAHM and the other being in the oilfield and home for 2+ months........ and truly we are doing great and having a good time! I am actually starting to wonder how Regan or I will adjust when he actually has to leave out again!

We have also had a handful of issues with the house. Nothing major, but still a PITA! We had the a/c draining into Regan's room, so at one point there was a hole in her wall....about the size of a door. We are waiting for them to come back to paint and replace the moulding and clean the carpet and replace the pad. If it's not one thing it's another, right?

I won't list all the little imperfections that are driving me crazy......I do love my house and the little things are definitely nothing compared to how great it is being in our new house! The walls are still bare, the garage is still filled with boxes that need a home and just when I get the house livable and uncluttered, we get the TV console in and there is more mess and something else that cannot be finished until we get some dhmi wires.........sigh! Hopefully the fence will be up with weekend, if not, at least a good start on it!

In other news I have decided to upgrade my phone early! When changing our address online for Verizon I noticed that I am only a month and a half away from my new every two upgrade. SO I started looking to see what my options were and my poor chocolate is no longer offered! I am crushed! The new chocolate is the 3 and it's a damn flip phone! What genius decided to turn the first slider phone back into a flip phone! UGGH! Anyways, I went into the store to play with a couple of the phones and maybe upgarde then. He said I could but that I wouldn't get the $100 off for doing this soon. No biggie. Well, I get home yesterday and there is a private sale offered by them and I CAN infact upgrade nowm the enV is one offered and it will come out free just like if I waited until Jan 7th! Cool, right? Hehee! So after playgroup I am heading back to the Verizon store to make sure I will be happy with the enV and then probably order it! Yaay me!

Well, as NOT interesting as this probably was I must go. I have an hour to get us all ready and out the door. We are heading to Kart Ranch soon!! :o)

Still Working On It!

Boy have we been busy! Things, as usual were a struggle even though we though we were ahead of the game!

We were scheduled to close at 1:30 pm on the 30th. We borrowed my Uncle's trailer on Wednesday morning, filled it to the brim that day and took it to the house Thursday morning! We left it in front of the new house, left to go run errands in Lafayette and await our 1:30 closing with the hopes of heading back to the house after we signed papers and unloading the trailer! Great idea, huh? Well, it didn't work out that way!

Our filed got randomly pulled by FHA for some audit or check. It had happened a few days prior, which was why the day before we were scheduled to close, our lender was unable to give us the total for our closing costs. FHA put them behind. The rescheduled us to 2 pm, which ultimately came and went. We were told about 3:30 that we would be able to close about 4:30. Well, Regan was still in New Iberia at daycare and needed to be picked up by 5:30. So we hauled ass to NI to get her and then back in horrible traffic. We ended up getting there about 4:45 only to be told they still didn't have the packet. Then the phone rings and we are told that we will not be closing today because there was an error in the total for the house! OY! So we left, after waiting and anticipating all day, without closing on the house! I was sick to my stomach! Not to mention PISSED OFF! We basically drove to and from New Iberia for no reason! Why couldn't they have figured this out at 3:30 before we left to get Regan? We could have just gone home at that point!

The error ended up being on Southern Home's end. When we added the extra slab in the back of the house, the total didn't get carried into the paperwork that went to the lender. I knew my total all along, but it somehow didn't transfer! The lady who made the mistake was really upset and sorry. She felt so bad she offered to get us a gift card! lol Now, whether that actually happens remains to be seen. We did however get to keep the lowered total, which is about $1200 less. And our lender, because of the hassle caused by the file being pulled by FHA gave us a 1/4 less on our interest rate! So those are pretty cool perks! lol

We ended up closing on the house about 2 pm on the 31st. We were ready! Unfortunately that was the same day we had to see that Bitch of an agent Bev Thomson and she got her unearned $6000. We did not speak one word to her the entire time she was there. Hell, I don't even think we looked at her! She is so evil and I really hope she chokes on that money! (smirk!)

Anyways, closing on the 31st was such a pain in the ass! We got done signing papers, hauled butt to unload the trailer that was waiting from the morning before and then had to hurry up and get dressed for Halloween! We had to drive to Carencro to go to Miss Jeanne's house for trick or treating! It was a nice night and all the kids had fun! All the pictures are on my Myspace - and since I am late with the entry, I will skip the pics this time!

Up to speed, we are in the house and it is mostly situated and livable! We unpacked the most needed things and still have mountains of boxes to go through in the garage! I am hoping to one day get to park in the garage! LMAO!!

I will write more and post pictures of the progress so far when I get the chance!!