I {Hate} Bid Day

Ok....hate might be a bit strong, afterall, it is the livelihood of my job...but I strongly detest bid day! (how's that?)

We had a major bid today at work that consumed the majority of my day...actually most of my week! Anyway, my stress level reached an all time high at work. Bid days are always stressful trying to crunch numbers and beat the clock, but for some reason today's was extremely stressful. It could be that I did alot more leg work on this one than I normally do...and there were addendums at the 11th hour...and it was ALOT of money...and I don't understand alot of it (it's electrical, plumbing, hvac...I'm not an electrician, plumber, heat and air tech, or an engineer :)

Right now I just need some peace and quiet...and maybe one of those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas!

Just breathe. Right?

Land's End Giveaway

Ok, who doesn't love free stuff...especially when it's from Land's End!! Monica over at Homespun Heart just emailed them and asked if they'd want to do a giveaway through her blog and guess what? They Did!! Yeah for all of us in Blogland.

Go check out Monica's blog for all the details!

Need Prayer!

God says to pray for everything and we have a need...it may seem trivial...but it's important to us.

Q's truck is leaking transmission fluid and he thinks he may have blew a seal. Now, I don't pretend to know what all that means, except to know that it means money we don't have and he relies on that truck for work.

We need God to intervene here! He's taking it to the mechanic this morning...please pray it's nothing!!

Real Life---bedroom edition!

I know I'm a little late, but I thought I'd participate in the "Real Life" over at Farm Fresh! This weeks venue was the bedroom...where the "magic happens."

*under the bed
*what's in and on your dresser
*what's on your bedside table
*the pictures and the decorations
*what you love about it
*what you hate about it
*what makes it uniquely you
*what you sleep in

Ok...I'm letting the whole world (or at least the 25 people that read my blog) into my bedroom!! {{yikes}}


*under the bed
one lone hanger and some boxes of pictures...and really ugly carpet

*what's on and in your dresser
I don't actually have a dresser...all my clothes are in the closet or my night stand...so this is Q's (he has two..this is his everyday dresser)


this is his military clothing dresser...plus the millions of boxes downstairs!


and look what's inside...military clothes

*what's on my bedside table
a lamp to read by...my favorite picture of me and hubby...alarm clock...glasses...book I'm reading (At Home In Mitford)...and the ever present cell phone

*the pictures and the decorations
the only picture that I could get to hang on stucco walls

all the cute pictures that are piled behind the dresser because I can't get them to hang on these walls...aargh

*what I love about this room
we have our own bathroom and it's open to the bedroom...love this

*what I hate about this room
no picture for this one...but the fact that the walls are stucco and I can't get a nail to drive to save my life...therefore, no decorations...makes me sad

*what I sleep in
usually just my skin (it's hot in Arkansas!) but sometimes jammies. I haven't worn a cute nightgown in a long time...but you girls have inspired me! May have to get back to that!

*what makes this room uniquely me
again..no picture...but I think the fact that we've chosen to only use photographs in this room of hubby and I...there are absolutely no pictures of our children in this room...it's a place just for us...to relax...be romantic...and enjoy each other without the demands of our children and life

Ok...there you have it. A tour of our boudoir! Be sure to check out the link above for more

Independence Day

Freedom is never free. It has always been and always will be, a hard fought battle.
Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country proudly and without reservation. I celebrate today because of the sacrifices that you and your families make. May God Bless You!!

My husband and fellow soldier...just home from Iraq...Octoboer 2007 6am

Happy Birthday Mallorye

Mommy and Mallorye on the day she was born

How is it that this little precious baby is turning 16 today? I'm nearly speechless and holding back tears, realizing how fleeting the moments are.


Daddy, Mommy, and Mallorye on her first trip across the state line to visit relatives in Tennessee...3 months old

16 Sweet Things About Mallorye;
* you are a lover of life
* you want to save the world (and I believe you will)
* you love to read
* you love "Army Wives" as much as I do
* you have a mischievous side that I love
* your patriotism runs deep
* you are brave...enduring painful tests throughout your youth, mission trips,
watching your dad go to war...the list goes on
* your competitive spirit
* you are a giver...you always want to give everyone gifts at holidays
* your infectious smile
* you're a great middle blocker in volleyball (I think this is your year!)
* you have an incredible talent for writing poetry
* you have your own style and you aren't afraid of it
* you know what you believe and are willing to defend those beliefs
* you love God...with everything in you!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl....we love you!

Vacation Day 7

The back yard at Waterside Lane...where we stayed...isn't gorgeous?

After a full week of relaxation, it was time to pack up and head back to Arkansas. I was ready. Don't get me wrong...I absolutely loved the beach and the time to just be...without shuffling kids from one place to the next...without housework and bills...no one to pick up after and keep up with, but myself...BUT, I missed my family.

Me...relaxing in the hammock


JoAnn relaxing

We got up early (4am in SC, which is 3am in AR), loaded up the car, and hit the road. We stopped in Greenville to pick up Christina and watch her perform in a play "It's Not Fair." Those kids did an awesome job and to think they only had 3 days to memorize and perfect their lines! WOW!

We drove straight through (16 hours)...only stopping for fuel and food...and an occasional anxiety break! We were almost hit twice by a semi. Once in Atlanta, when one wanted to share our lane and once outside Chatanooga when he had to take the shoulder to keep from hitting us in the rear. But God protected us.

A church in South Carolina in full patriotism


The 3rd member of our party...JoAnn, GARMIN, and Me...couldn't have done it without him!!

Actually, I felt God throughout every aspect of this trip. I heard him softly speaking to me, showing me a glimpse of the plan he has for Mallorye, as well as the plan He has for our family. I watched Him provide for us throughout the week and witnessed His blessing and favor on us. I sat in awe and wonder at the majestic creation we call earth and praised Him. From the ocean in South Carolina to the mountains in Tennessee from the flatlands of Arkansas, one thought prevailed.... "I serve an awesome and mighty God."