That Kind of Day....

A Distant Thunder

2010-02-19T20:37:00.000-06:00

This is one of the two books I picked up on Wednesday at the book store and I just finished reading it. This to is a must read! But if you haven't read The Sound of Rain first I would suggest that you read that one first because this is the 2nd out of the 3 she is writing about the Jayson Wolfe story. I don't want to go into any details because I don't want to spoil it but again as always Anita Stansfield delivers a powerful clean romance with true gospel principles that make me see things in a new light that leaves me in awe at how it all makes perfect sense.

I keep hoping and thinking that just maybe there are guys out there like the ones she rights about. I would love to meet someone like Jayson Wolfe, Michael Hamilton, or Sean O'Hara and several others....But apparently they only exist in fiction books...:-/

Anyways, this is a real page turner and I cannot wait for the 3rd one to come out to see how it ends :-)

In Search of Heaven

2010-02-15T20:48:00.002-06:00

Ok, those of you who know me know what a book worm I can be LOL. I have decided that I am going to write reviews on the books that I read.

Today I just finished another Anita Stansfield book called "In Search of Heaven"

I have learned so many times not to judge a book by its cover! I had been putting off reading this one till the very end of the stack of books I had because it didn't look as good as the others. :-\

I have to say that I have not read one of her books I have not liked or loved. Anita has a gift of being able to pull you into her stories like no other! She makes her characters so real in real situations and problems and life and love and she adds true gospel principles in her books.

This one definately has all the above in it and much more. Eleanore finds a book that unknow to her is the Book of Mormon in the early 1800's in England and after reading it and coming to know the truthfulness of its teachings decides she is going to do whatever it takes and no matter how long it would take her to find this new religion and because of her willingness to know of the truth is lead to the love of her life and an adventure of a lifetime.

This book also made me realize just how much we take the gospel for granted. I have been truly blessed to have been born into the covenant but have not once cherrished the Book of Mormon as Eleanore does in this book. After reading this book I am going to set a goal to start reading the BOM again and this time I'm going to take the time to actually study it and try to apply the teachings in my life. (I'm really embarrassed to admit that I haven't done this! I've read it before but never really studied it) This book really makes me want to do just that and has reminded me that along with the Bible it is truly a gift from God!

Service

2010-02-10T16:47:00.002-06:00

I was reading some news stories on CNN and I came across this story and thought wow now why can't there be more stories like this in the news?! There is so much negativity that this really brightend my day up :-) I usually dread reading or watching the news I've not really cared lately. More stories like this need to be reported!

WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE - Most people don't like to shovel snow, but kids in one Milwaukee neighborhood were loving it. Under the newest blanket of snow, FOX6 found a group of kids making one north side neighborhood feel warm. They cleared almost an entire block for free!With wind whipping and the snow swirling, the corner of 40th and Hope felt like a long way from home. Three boys braved the elements so their neighbors didn't have to.Rasheed Harris, his younger brother Koran Harris, and their cousin Rahagee Burns began bright and early. Rasheed tells FOX 6 "We started from my grandma's house and just came all the way down the block." They were having so much fun before they knew it, they had shoveled nearly an entire block.These boys never asked for a penny, and view shoveling as more than a chore. Rasheed said, "We're just out here doing good deeds. No charge, just shoveling all the snow." Rahagee says, "I want to be a little more helpful, all around good Samaritan."Neighbor Lawrence Bibbs was out with his snow blower, the boys shoveled his sidewalk anyway. Another neighbor Venessa Brown came home to a surprise, "I found my walkway shoveled! I think it's great, you don't see a lot of kids doing this."After a long day, it was clear that these three boys and their shovels moved a lot more than snow. "It just feels good doing good deeds for other people.", says Rahagee.One neighbor says she's going to pay the kids anyway, she told FOX 6 they saved her an hour's worth of work. They say it wasn't work, it was fun.

Dancing in the Dark

2010-02-10T16:16:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading Dancing in the Dark by Mary Jane Clark. OMG this was such a good one! If you like murder mystery/suspense with a twist this is a must read!! It flowed really well and kept my interest and had a suspesefull twist I was not expecting! Mary Jane Clark is becoming one of my most favorite authors.

Update

2010-02-09T16:13:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a year since I've posted anything on my blog! I have been so occupied doing other things that I have neglected this LOL! Well, I am going to try to keep this updated more. I end up posting a lot more things on face book so be sure to check that out often to.

Happy Birthday Stephen!

2009-02-08T14:43:00.009-06:00

Happy Birthday Stephen! I can't believe he's 6 years old! I first met this little guy when he was 2. Time goes by so fast!

New Hair do

2009-02-08T14:37:00.003-06:00

I cut and colored my hair on January 16. I have another hair appointment next month. Should I attempt to go shorter? Let me know what you think!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-02-08T14:32:00.002-06:00

Dad's Birthday was Feb. 4. I'm sorry I'm just now getting to publish this on my blog. I've either been busy or not feeling well :(

I hope you had a great day! I love you!

Happy Birthday Joseph!

2009-01-04T18:25:00.004-06:00

January 1st was Joseph's 4th birthday! I can't believe it! It seems just like yesterday he was just a baby! Happy Birthday Joseph :)

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a Sweetie in a Christmas tree

2008-12-16T11:22:00.003-06:00

This is to funny! Normally Rudy is the one that's always getting into every thing and I had been blaming him for getting in my tree because you can tell one of them had been getting into it because the branches on the tree were no longer fluffed out the way I had them. It's obvious a kitty had been sitting in it, lol! Well I owe Rudy an apology :)

God Blessed Texas :)

2008-12-02T11:08:00.003-06:00

As most of you know I am partial to the State of Texas. I love it here, so when I got this email I just had to post it, lol.

Please note that Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union . (Reference the Texas-American Annexation Treaty of 1848.)

We Texans love y'all, but we'll probably have to
Take action since B. Hussein Obama won the election. We'll miss you too.

Here is what can happen:

#1: Barack Hussein Obama becomes President of the United States , Texas immediately secedes from the Union .

#2: George W. Bush will become the President of the Republic of Texas .

So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?

1. NASA is just south of Houston , Texas . We will control the space industry.

2. We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States.

3. Defense Industry--we have over 65% of it. The term "Don't mess with Texas ," will take on a whole
New meaning.

4. Oil - we can supply all the oil that the Republic of Texas will need for the next 300 years. Yankee states? Sorry about that.

5. Natural Gas - again we have all we need and it's too bad about those Northern States. John Kerry will have to figure out a way to keep them warm....

6. Computer Industry - we currently lead the nation in producing computer chips and communications- -small companies like Texas Instruments, Dell Computer, EDS, Raytheon,
> National Semiconductor, Motorola, Intel, AMD, Atmel, Applied Materials, Ball Miconductor, Dallas Semiconductor, Delphi, Nortel, Alcatel, etc, etc. The list goes on and on.

7. Medical Care - We have the largest research centers for cancer research, the best burn centers and the top trauma units in the world, as well as other large health centers. Dallas has some of the best hospitals in the United States .

8. We have enough colleges to keep us going: University of Texas , Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Rice, SMU, University of Houston , Baylor, UNT ( University of North Texas ), Texas
Women's University, etc. Ivy grows better in the South anyway.

9. We have a ready supply of workers. We could just open the border when we need some more.

10. We have essential control of the paper industry, plastics, insurance, etc.

11. In case of a foreign invasion, we have the Texas
National Guard and the Texas Air National
Guard. We don't have an Army, but since everybody down here has at least six rifles and a pile of ammo, we can raise an Army in 24 hours if we need one. If the situation really gets bad,
We can always call the Department of Public Safety and ask them to send over Chuck Norris and a couple of Texas Rangers.

12. We are totally self-sufficient in beef, poultry, hogs, and several types of grain, fruit and vegetables, and let's not forget seafood from the Gulf. Also, everybody down here knows how to cook them so that they taste good. Don't need any food.

This just names a few of the items that will keep the Republic of Texas in good shape. There isn't a thing out there that we need and don't have.

Now to the rest of the United States under President Obama:

Since you won't have the refineries to get gas for your cars, only President Obama will be able to drive around in his big 9 mpg SUV. The rest of the United States will have to walk or ride bikes.

You won't have any TV as the Space Center in Houston will cut off satellite communications.

You won't have any natural gas to heat your homes, but since Mr. Obama has predicted global warming, you will not need the gas as long as you survive the 2000 years it will take to get enough heat from Global Warming.

Signed, The People of Texas

P.S. This is not a threatening letter - just a note to give you something to think about!

SLEEP WELL TONIGHT THE EYES OF TEXAS ARE UPON YOU!!

One Nation Under God

Thanksgiving with the Bullocks

2008-11-30T17:06:00.005-06:00

Between them they had 14 kids in the house! They are a good group of kids. In order starting from the top left is Vicente, Mcay, Aiden, and Anthony. The next row is Christina, Madison, Stephen, Nathaniel, Michael and Zacharay. The next row is Joseph, Kaitlyn, Travis and Blake.

Yesterday I got to spend the day with Claudia and her family. We had a blast :) The pic above is Claudia and her brother and sisters. In order from the top is Seth, Claudia, Talita, and Zena.

The Day After Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T20:05:00.009-06:00

Mom sent me a few Christmas things that she used to put out when we were growing up. Rudy and Sweetie like the boxes and newspapers mom uses to send me things, lol :) Thanks mom for all the goodies we had a lot of fun today :)

Today I put out my Christmas decorations. It was always a family tradition that we would put up the tree and put out all the Christmas decorations. I love this time of the year :)

After we were done it was time for a nap :)

Four Christmases

2008-11-28T19:57:00.003-06:00

Last night I went and saw Four Christmases with a good friend of mine. I have to say this was really good! So if you haven't seen it yet go see it. It's hillarious :)

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T19:41:00.004-06:00

I was invited to spend Thanksgiving with Lisa and her family. I am so blessed to have such great friends like her! Thanks Lisa for letting me share Thanksgiving with you and your family. It really meant a lot to me.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things that we are thankful for so I would like to share a few things that I am most thankful for.

I am most thankful for my family. I don't live close to any of them so I don't get very many oportunity's to tell them that I love them and am thankful to have them in my life.

I am so thankful to have good friends as well. With having no family close by it helps to have good friends to lean on. And I want to tell them how much I appreciate and love every single one of you. I have been through some difficult times in the last few years and don't know what I would have done if I didn't have you all there.

I am thankful for my kitties :) They are a joy to my life and I love them like they were my children.

And I am also greatful to still have a job to go to with this mess that the economy is in.

A weight has been lifted off my shoulders!

2008-11-14T14:09:00.003-06:00

This morning I had a weight lifted off of my shoulder. Yes, as of this morning my little Cavalier is officially mine!! :) I'll be celebrating this time next month, lol!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-01T10:18:00.014-05:00

Last night I got to go trick or treating with my nephews :) Aren't they adorable! We have Indiana Jones, a teenage mutant nija turtle, Obie one conoby (sorry if I mis spelled that!) Spider Man, and Zachary was the grinch. Claudia was a fairy, Richard a Texas Long Horns fan and I was Cruella :)

We also celebrated Zachary's 1st birthday! I can't believe he's already 1!

Financial Crisis

2008-10-13T15:01:00.002-05:00

I just rec'd this email from a good friend of mine. It does not surprise me that the media is not disclosing the truth about the financial crisis we are in. If you read this blog I don't mean any offense to you. However if Obama gets elected we are in a world of trouble. Please continue to read below (especially to the last paragraph):

Financial CrisisDate: Monday, October 6, 2008, 2:46 PM

I personally can't attest to all the facts in the attached. However, this was sent to me by the President of a bank. The comments about the Community Reinvestment Act [CRA] are accurate. According to him, the regulators only graded the banks upon how many census tracks they loaned money into, and, they never questioned the underwriting standards on those loans. If youdidn't meet their census track standard, you were graded down which resulted in negative consequences. Congress should be ashamed. The following is a condensation of a series from the Investor's Business Daily explaining 'What Caused the Loan Crisis':

1977: Pres. Jimmy Carter signs the Community Reinvestment Act into Law.
The law pressured financial institutions to extend home loans to those who would otherwise not qualify. The Premise: Home ownership would improve poor and crime-ridden communities and neighborhoods in terms of crime,investment, jobs, etc. Results: Statistics bear out that it did not help. How did the government get so deeply involved in the housing market?
Answer: Bill Clinton wanted it that way.

1992: Republican representative Jim Leach (IO) warned of the danger that Fannie and Freddie were changing from being agencies of the public at large to money machines for the principals and the stockholding few.

1993: Clinton extensively rewrote Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's rules turning the quasi-private mortgage-funding firms into semi-nationalized monopoies dispensing cash and loans to large Democratic voting blocks and handing favors, jobs and contributions to political allies. This potent mix led inevitably to corruption and now the collapse of Freddie and Fannie.

1994: Despite warnings, Clinton unveiled his National Home-Ownership Strategy which broadened the CRA in ways congress never intended.

1995: Congress, about to change from a Democrat majority to Republican, Clinton orders Robert Rubin's Treasury Dept to rewrite the rules. Robert Rubin's Treasury reworked rules, forcing banks to satisfy quotas for sub-prime and minority loans to get a satisfactory CRA rating. The rating was key to expansion or mergers for banks. Loans began to be made on the basis of race and little else.

1997 - 1999: Clinton, bypassing Republicans, enlisted Andrew Cuomo, then Secretary of Housing and Urban Developement, allowing Freddie and Fannie to get into the sub-prime market in a BIG way. Led by Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Chris Dodd, congress doubled down on the risk by easing capital limits and allowing them to hold just 2.5% of capital to back on their investments vs 10% for banks. Since they could borrow at lower rates than banks theirenterprises boomed.

With incentives in place, banks poured billions in loans into poor communities, often 'no doc', 'no income', requiring no money down and no verification of income. Worse still was the cronyism: Fannie and Freddie became home to out-of work-politicians, mostly Clinton Democrats. 384politicians got big campaign donations from Fannie and Freddie. Over $200 million had been spent on lobbying and political activities. During the 1990's Fannie and Freddie enjoyed a subsidy of as much as $182 Billion, most of it going to principals and shareholders, not poorborrowers as claimed. Did it work? Minorities made up 49% of the 12.5 million new homeowners but many of those loans have gone bad and the minority homeownership rates are shrinking fast.

1999: New Treasury Secretary, Lawrence Summers, became alarmed at Fannie and Freddie's excesses. Congress held hearings the ensuing year but nothing was done because Fannie and Freddie had donated millions to key congressmen and radical groups, ensuring no meaningful changes would take place. 'We manage our political risk with the same intensity that we manageour credit and interest rate risks,' Fannie CEO Franklin Raines, a former Clinton official and current Barack Obama advisor, bragged to investors in 1999.

2000: Secretary Summers sent Undersecretary Gary Gensler to Congress seeking an end to the 'special status'. Democrats raised a ruckus as did Fannie and Freddie, headed by politically connected CEO's who knew how to reward and punish. 'We think that the statements evidence a contempt for the nation's housing and mortgage markets' Freddie spokesperson Sharon McHale said. It was the last chance during the Clinton era for reform.

2001: Republicans try repeatedly to bring fiscal sanity to Fannie and Freddie but Democrats blocked any attempt at reform; especially Rep. Barney Frank and Sen.Chris Dodd who now run key banking committees and were huge beneficiaries of campaign contributions from the mortgage giants.

2003: Bush proposes what the NY Times called 'the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago'. Even after discovering a scheme by Fannie and Freddie to overstate earnings by $10.6 billion to boost their bonuses, the Democrats killed reform.

2005: Then Fed chairman Alan Greenspan warns Congress: 'We are placing the total financial system at substantial risk'. Sen. McCain, with two others, sponsored a Fannie/Freddie reform bill and said, 'If congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to theenormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financialsystem and the economy as a whole'. Sen. Harry Reid accused the GOP ;of trying to 'cripple the ability of Fannie and Freddie to carry out their mission of expanding homeownership' The bill went nowhere.

2007: By now Fannie and Freddie own or guarantee over HALF of the $12 trillion US mortgage market. The mortgage giants, whose executive suites were top-heavy with former Democratic officials, had been working with Wall St. to repackage the bad loans and sell them to investors. As the housing market fell in '07, subprime mortgage portfolios suffered major losses. Thecrisis was on, though it was 15 years in the making.

2008: McCain has repeatedly called for reforming the behemoths, Bush urged reform 17 times. Still the media have repeated Democrats' talking points about this being a 'Republican' disaster. A few Republicans are complicit but Fannie and Freddie were created by Democrats, regulatedby Democrats, largely run by Democrats and protected by Democrats. That's why taxpayersare now being asked for $700 billion!! If you doubt any of this, just click the links below and listen to your lawmakers own words. They are condeming! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68D9XrqyrWo&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68D9XrqyrWo&feature=related# http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgqfM5C8lY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgqfM5C8lY# http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9juJr8CSY4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9juJr8CSY4&feature=related#

Postscript: ACORN is one of the principle beneficiaries of Fannie/ Freddie's slush funds. They are currently under indictment or investigation in many states. Barack Obama served as their legal counsel, defending their activities for several years. Please share this with everyone you know. Send it. Print it. Talk about it. America needs to know!!!

A Portrait of Barack Hussein Obama

2008-10-09T18:42:00.002-05:00

http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/video.aspx?rsrcid=2036

And why do we want this muslim in office? This video says it all!

Who Caused the Mess we are in......Not Bush

2008-10-09T18:03:00.003-05:00

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending

By STEVEN A. HOLMES
Published: September 30, 1999

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.
''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''
Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.
In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.
''From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''
Under Fannie Mae's pilot program, consumers who qualify can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 -- a rate that currently averages about 7.76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point premium is dropped.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it purchases loans that banks make on what is called the secondary market. By expanding the type of loans that it will buy, Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellar credit ratings.
Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualify for a mortgage. But they add that the move is intended in part to increase the number of minority and low income home owners who tend to have worse credit ratings than non-Hispanic whites.
Home ownership has, in fact, exploded among minorities during the economic boom of the 1990's. The number of mortgages extended to Hispanic applicants jumped by 87.2 per cent from 1993 to 1998, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that same period the number of African Americans who got mortgages to buy a home increased by 71.9 per cent and the number of Asian Americans by 46.3 per cent.
In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic whites who received loans for homes increased by 31.2 per cent.
Despite these gains, home ownership rates for minorities continue to lag behind non-Hispanic whites, in part because blacks and Hispanics in particular tend to have on average worse credit ratings.
In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001, 50 percent of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.
The change in policy also comes at the same time that HUD is investigating allegations of racial discrimination in the automated underwriting systems used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to determine the credit-worthiness of credit applicants.

Getting into shape

2008-09-16T16:49:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month I finally got myself a gym membership. So for the past couple weeks Carmen and I have pulled ourselves together and decided we were going to lose weight and get into shape! I never thought I would say this but I feel sooooo much better after I have a good work out! I will keep you posted as to how we are or not doing, lol!

The Work and The Glory

2008-09-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

I have finally finished reading the 9 volume series of the Work and The Glory by Gerald N. Lund. For those of you who have not read this series should read them. Gerald N. Lund takes the fictional Steed family through historical church events and made church history come to life in a whole new perspective in my eyes. Those of us that were born into the church have heard all the stories growing up but I had no idea the severity of what the early saints went through until I had started reading this series.

I found out that they are not going to making any more movies. They are stopping with number 3 :( This saddens me. But the books are outstanding! I would highly reccomend these books :)

Wedding Dress shopping

2008-08-23T18:43:00.005-05:00

I spent all Wednesday with Carmen. She had gone and looked at dresses the day before and found this one she really liked. We went back to the store and she tried it on and it is absolutly gorgeous! I'm not going to post pictures of it just in case the groom just happens to see this :) But the shop did a cute little thing when she put the deposit down on the dress. The pulled out bubbles and played this song. It was fun.

Cable TV

2008-08-18T17:39:00.003-05:00

I have taken this week off from work and today I had the AT&T cable guy come out install my new cable TV. My apartment complex is doing away with their bundle cable package begining the first of September, so to avoid disruption in my service I had someone come out while I was off :) and while they were at it they installed wireless internet! I love it! I can go where ever I want to in my apartment and have the internet and no cords or wires attached to the lap top :) It seems like the little things tickle me pink :

Peachy King Continued :)

2008-08-15T20:22:00.006-05:00

Last night we finished our project from Saturday. However when we would open up the dish washer to pull a jar out our glasses would fog up, lol!

mmmmm, don't they look good!

Peachy King

2008-08-09T18:35:00.011-05:00

Today Erika, Sara and I went to a peach orchard in Gainsville, TX to pick our own fresh peaches.

This is me. It wasn't even 10:00 in the morning and it was already hot outside!

Doesen't the fruit look yummy!

Sara sorting out the most ripe ones

Peeling and slicing

Bottling them in syrup and getting ready to put them in the pans to boil for a little bit.

A finished project

Project

2008-08-08T22:16:00.006-05:00

This is my project so to speak for this month :) I'm the Visiting Teaching Leader in my Ward and it's a singles ward. So needless to say it's real hard to encourage some of the sisters to do their visiting teaching. I found this really great web site. I think it's the ideadoor.com I'll have to double check that. But it's got all kinds of great stuff on it for any calling in the church you can think of. They post what I like to call cliffs notes of the monthly visiting teaching message and they make it look real nice and pretty as you can see above :) So I printed and cut these out and put them in a bag with some candy to pass out during Relief Society this Sunday.

I also found this great program at the book store! I'm going to be cutting these out to pass out next month. I don't know if you can really read what it says. It says : "When Visiting Teaching becomes a burden and your "sole" is wearing thin....Just try to remember whose steps your following in." And I found these really nice sticker pictures of Christ to add to it. I just love it! :) I can't stress enough how important visiting teaching is. If it weren't for one I had in Rockwall I probably would not have gotten involved in church activity again.

New Computer & update

2008-08-04T19:19:00.004-05:00

For those of you that don't know my old lap top gave out on me :( It did however give me an excuse to get the one that I wanted :) Check out the new P.C.

The sad thing is nothing really has been going on during the time I haven't had a computer. Last weekend I went to a going away pool party for a sister in my ward. She accepted a teaching job in SLC. That was a blast.

Nothing else has been going on. :(

Day 6

2008-06-20T21:39:00.009-05:00

Today we went to Adventure Land and played a round of golf, go karts and bumper boats. We had a blast and I did end up getting sun burned :(

We got soaked from the bumber boats! LOL! It was so much fun :)

Day 5

2008-06-19T19:53:00.010-05:00

Today we went to the Bowlarama in Rowlett.

STRIKE!!! :) Way to go mom!

I pulled this game out for when the movie we were watching was over and if everyone was up for a game but Rudy decided it was a good place for him to get comfortable :)

Isn't he a hoot, lol. He has to be the center of attention :)

Day 4

2008-06-18T21:50:00.007-05:00

Tonight after work we met up with Carmen and had dinner at the T.G.I. Friday's at the Firewheel mall and later on Joffe met up with us. Then we walked around for a little bit trying to work off all those calories we gained from dinner :) Mom and Chuck have never been to this fairly new mall. Rowlett sure has bloomed since we left in 2001 :)

Carmen and I.

Joffe and Carmen.

Mom and Carmen.

Mom, Carmen and Me outside at the Firewheel Mall

Hello Kitty :)

Day 2

2008-06-15T18:17:00.005-05:00

Then on our way to way to dinner this CRAZY WOMAN rolled into my car while we were stopped at a red light and had the gall to tell me I rear ended her! I had mom, Chuck and another woman who was in the lane next to us tell her that they saw her roll into me. I even honked my horn several times when I saw her rolling back towards me! The blue car above is the crazy woman's and the red one is mine. As you can see there is no damage but it was the principal of it and I WAS NOT GOING TO GIVE HER MY INFORMATION!! So I called for the cops and the cop that showed up believed me over this woman :) Anyways since there was no damage the officer didn't make us exchange information. I do have to thank dad for my little camera he got me for Christmas because it's small enough I keep it in my purse so I was able to take pictures so that if she were to try to pull something later on I have my proof!

You know if she had been honest about what happened and since there was no damage I would have been cool about the situation. I would have said no big deal and moved on, but she wanted to argue about it and became hostile. I started getting hostile right back and figured the best thing to do was to call the cops. After the cop helped us out in this situation he went to crazy woman's car and it would not start and when she tried to start it, it started to roll back AGAIN!!!!

So anyways, after that we went to dinner at Sonny Bryan's had a nice BBQ dinner and was able to cool off and then after that we decided to call it a day.

Then I introduced mom to DSW. It's a huge show warehouse. When I was younger I had a pair of jellies in every color. They have come back and I found them in the Mary Jane style. Aren't they cute!

We started out the day by going to the Studio Movie Grill. (I know it's Sunday but it's not every day I get to see my mom and step dad) We saw Kung Fu Panda. That was quite cute :)

They're here :)

2008-06-14T19:10:00.005-05:00

Mom and Chuck have made it here! I'm so excited :) They made it in around lunch time today. Today we just took it easy and didn't do much since they had a long trip down here.

Sweetie

2008-06-05T20:54:00.003-05:00

I think this is Sweetie's way of saying "what, don't look at me, I didn't do it!" LOL

Rudy

2008-06-05T19:41:00.001-05:00

Now isn't this just absolutely precious?! Who can resist this kitty? Obviously not his mama :) He sure does like to snuggle!

Institute

2008-06-03T20:52:00.004-05:00

Ether 1:41-42

Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy friends and their families; and the friends of Jared and their families.

And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth.

Institute started today :) It feels so good to have it going again. I've been lost on my Tuesday nights without it. JK not really but I had missed it. We are studying the Book of Mormon but not in any particular order. We started tonight in the Book of Ether and we went over the 2 scriptures I have quoted above. (We have a new teacher this year) and when my teacher pulled out the sentence And I will meet thee, He asked how we could apply that in our lives. If we are truly doing the things and going to the places we are suppose to be going such as going to Church Heavenly Father will meet us there, or the Temple, FHE, Institute. The Lord will meet us there. That really stood out to me.

And of course we went over the most popular part of the story where when the Brother of Jared is commanded to build these barges there are three problems presented to the Lord. The first being, "How will we get air to breath," the second being "How will we see," and the third "how will we steer?" And the first question the Lord gave him the answer of cutting a hole in the top and on the bottom and when they needed air they were to unplug the hole. The 2nd was answered by the Lord telling him basically he needed to figure a way for them to have light and the Lord would provide the way and we all know how he chose these stones and he saw the finger of the Lord as he touched them to give them light. And the third solution to the third problem the Lord told him that he would guide them. He would make sure they got where they were suppose to be. To trust Him.

Then he tied in a real popular scripture amoung Christians and that is John 14:6:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

By the "way" ties in with the third solution to the Jaredites problem. He is the way he will lead and guide us. The "Truth" ties in with the Brother of Jared picking the stones and the Lord providing the light. The "Life" would tie in with the hole's on the top and the bottom to provide the air to breath.

I had never thought of that before, but it makes perfect sense. There is so many symbolisms in the scriptures and I think it's amazing how the Lord can tie them all together in different ways. But then the Gospel is perfect because He is perfect :)

The Gospel is true. If we live it and do the things and go to the places we are commanded to He will meet us there and lead the way. But we have to be the ones to come to Him. I know this is true and am very excited about Institute starting again I learn so much when I go and am so looking forward to my Tuesday nights again :)

ONE WORD

2008-05-31T20:41:00.005-05:00

That's all you can write as your answer.
Can you do it?

Not as easy as you might think!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? .................... couch
2. Your significant other?....................... n/a
3. Your hair?.................................... brown
4. Your mother? ................................. supportive
5. Your father?.................................. smart
6. Your favorite thing?.......................... dates
7. Your dream last night?........................ nothing
8. Your favorite drink........................... Dr. Pepper
9. Your dream/goal?.............................. patience
10. The room you're in?.......................... livingroom
11. Your ex?..................................... gone
12. Your fear?................................... snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years........... here
14. Where were you last night?................... movies
15. What you're not?............................. outspoken
16. Muffins...................................... blueberry
17. One of your wish list items?................. Wii
18. Where you grew up?........................... Wichita
20. What are you wearing?........................ clothes
21. Your TV?..................................... Spiderman
22. Your pets?................................... cats
23. Your computer? .............................. blogs
24. Your life?................................... blessed
25. Your mood?................................... down
26. Missing someone?............................. Mom
27. Your car?.................................... red
28. Something you're not wearing?................ earrings
29. Favorite Store?.............................. Limited
30. Your summer?................................. Busy
31. Like someone?................................ Yes
32. Your favorite color?......................... red
33. Last time you laughed........................ yesterday
34. Last time you cried?......................... Yesterday

See if you can do it, remember only ONE word answers.

What kind of spice are you?

2008-05-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

You Are Ginger

Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter.
You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering.
You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatspiceareyouquiz/">What Spice Are You?

Memorial Day Lake Activity

2008-05-26T14:54:00.007-05:00

This is Brother and Sister Koerner. Brother Koerner is the Ward Clerk in my Ward. I actually met them when I was in the Rockwall Ward. They are great people and I'm glad they are part of the Dallas 11th Ward too.

This is Brother and Sister Clinger. A couple Sunday's ago we got a new Bishopric and Brother Clinger is our new 1st Counselor.

This is Bishop Hunter. He was our 1st Counselor for just over a year and now he's our new Bishop. He's a great guy and we are lucky to have him as our new Bishop.

This is my good friend Eric. And I apologize I don't remember this sister's name. I am soooo bad with names.

This is Stori and Erica.

Again I apologize I don't remember these sisters names. I know they are new in the ward but that's about it.

My ward had a lake activity today out at lake Lavon. This is me and Erika. There was water tubing, sand volleyball and horseshoe tossing. It was great. I only went water tubing...after that I was to tired to do anything else, lol.

Flashback

2008-05-25T17:12:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about my Nala a lot lately. It's been almost 2 years since she's been gone and I still miss her terribly and get teary eyed. I found this picture of her and get a little chuckle and remember what a great kitty she was.

Food Storage

2008-05-17T20:04:00.003-05:00

I finally decided to heed the words of counsel from our leaders and start my food storage. I ordered this from the church website. It contains wheat, oats, rice and beans. The cans are a pretty descent size. Of course I will be adding more canned goods, water, ect. But at least it's a start! :)

The Bedroom

2008-05-17T18:30:00.006-05:00

Well today I officially have to lock the kitties out of the bedroom :(

I spent the entire day cleaning out my closet, dusting, vacuuming, wiping everything down, washing all my bedding and putting an allergen mattress cover on my mattres and putting an allergen pillow casing on my pillow. I hate having to lock them out of the bedroom but it's doctor's orders if I want to keep them :(

The Closet

2008-05-17T17:57:00.005-05:00

What was in my closet I ended up throwing in my living room for sorting. I can't believe how much crap I had stuffed in that closet! lol :)
Now it looks so much better! I even have some extra space on the shelves above where the clothes hang :) A friend of mine is going to be having a garage sale and the proceeds of that are going to be going to as a donation to the bagdad pups.
Today I tackled my closet! Doesn't it look horrible!

2008-05-14T19:50:00.001-05:00

Slippers

What kind of shoe are you?

Allergies

2008-05-13T18:34:00.002-05:00

I was finally tested for my allergies! Some of you know what a terrible time I've been having. Well the results are in and the list is lengthy unfortunatly :(

Grass Pollen
-Bermuda
-Fescue
-Brome
-Orchard
-Red Top
-Rye
-June/Blue Grass
-Johnson
-Timothy
-Bahia (Dallis)
-Wheat Grass

Ragweed Pollen

Weeds
-Firebrush
-Russian Thistle

Spring Tree
-Cottonwood
-Pecan
-Oak
-American Elm
-Mesquite

Mt. Cedar Pollen

Cedar Elm Pollen

Mold (the kind that grows in soil)

House Dust

Dust Mites

Cats

Dogs

Horses

and last but not least Milk

Isn't this ridiculous!!!??? I'm going to have to be on either meds for the rest of my life or I can have injections and anywhere between 1-5 years I may become immune to all these things.

Since cats is on the list and I have 2 I am now going to have to keep them out of my bedroom at all costs. I don't have to find them new homes, I just can't have any more and when it is their time to go I won't be adopting anymore animals. :(

2008-05-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Julie's blog and had to do it :)

2008-05-11T12:34:00.001-05:00

You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Carmen's Graduation

2008-05-04T20:09:00.011-05:00

Today Carmen graduated from college with a nursing degree :) This is her fiance Joffe and his brother Jayon before it started.

I'm sorry this one is a little blury. She wouldn't hold still long enough to take a pic when she walked across the stage. :)

Can you find Carmen?

This is Carmen (in the middle obviously) with Alec and his girlfriend.

Carmen and her parents.

Carmen and I

Carmen and Joffe

After the graduation we all met up at this place Posado's for dinner

Flash Back

2008-05-03T17:42:00.002-05:00

why'd you turn the lights on? couldn't you see I was sleeping!

2008-04-27T12:07:00.002-05:00

LOL, when I got home late last night from a friends house Rudy was asleep in my laundry basket :)

Flash Back

2008-04-26T09:27:00.003-05:00

Allen and Eric from back in July of 2006 when I was in UT visiting.

Sunbeams

2008-04-25T16:23:00.002-05:00

I thought this was absolutly hilarious!

This is originally from a physician in Utah:

I work part-time as a teacher of family doctors. The program provides training on psychiatric disorders and emphasizes the importance of emotional support. The new doctors are given plenty of time in clinic to visit with their patients and learn about their challenges. One of our interns who has never lived in Utah and knows nothing about Mormons is still struggling to understand the cultural climate here. Last week he was interviewing a new patient and stumbled on what he thought was a raging psychosis.

Doctor: "Well, Mrs. Olsen, we've talked about your high blood pressure and your medications. Are you experiencing any particular stress in yourlife?

Patient: "Oh, yes! It's the Sunbeams. They're driving me crazy."

Doctor (very surprised): "The sun beams?"

Patient: "Yes. I've never had trouble with them before, but this group won't sit still.They bounce all over the room, and run out the door and down the hall."

Doctor (reaching for a pen): "Have you told anyone about this?"

Patient: "Of course. I told the president."

Doctor: "Really! What did the president tell you?"

Patient: "She said Sunbeams are like that. I'm just going to have to learn to deal with them.

Doctor (concerned that he may be missing something): "I know people who are sensitive to sun beams. Do they cause you a rash or anything?"

Patient (confused): "A rash? No."

Doctor: "What's the biggest problem they're creating?"

Patient: "It's the noise. They just won't quit talking."

Doctor (astonished): "The sun beams are talking to you?"

Patient: "Well, yes. But mostly they talk to each other."

Doctor (scribbling furiously in the chart): "I see. Can anyone else hear them talking?"

Patient (after a moment of stunned silence): Your not LDS are you?

How to tell if you are LDS

2008-04-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

My son's a CTR...I go to PEC.I work for CES...I study the TG.I read the B of M...I probe the D & C.I search the KJV...I ponder the JST.Today in BYC...we planned the EFY.I stayed a little after...and had a PPI.The YM and the YW...are putting on a play.It's one that I remember...we did in MIA.Before our oldest son...went in the MTC,He helped the BSA...complete their SME.Soon our oldest daughter...is heading for the Y.Soon our oldest clothing...is going to DI.Now, if you've understood...this alphabetic mess,The chances are quite good...that you are LDS.

The Pastor's Cat

2008-04-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Never underestimate the power of prayer :)

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.
That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the rear view mirror of the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went "bong!" and the kitten instantly sailed through the air-out of sight.
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No, Nobody had seen a stray
kitten. So he prayed, "Dear Lord I commit this kitten to your keeping,"and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, "Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?"
She replied, "You won't believe this," and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, "Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it."
She told the pastor, "I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread and landed right in front of her."
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor!

You're not going to ship me off to Timbuckto are you?

2008-04-24T21:11:00.004-05:00

I got my new printer yesterday and didn't really have a place to put the box just yet and when I went to see about doing something with it, guess who made herself at home in it :)

I'm finally out of the stone age! :)

2008-04-24T21:05:00.002-05:00

I got high speed internet today and now I can almost relate to Sat./Sun. thought for the day by Maxine, lol:

Saturday/SundayGot hooked up to high-speed internet. It crashes a lot faster now.

So far it hasn't crashed yet :)

Please Help

2008-04-24T16:51:00.002-05:00

I got this email this afternoon from a friend. This kitty needs a home as soon as possible. I am copying the message down along with a picture. If I didn't already have the 2 I would take him in a heart beat.

He was rescued from a very bad apartment complex where the guy actually saw kids kicking him, how people can be soo cruel, anyway we are working on trying to trap the othes cats there and relocate them but this little guy was just soo scared and we took him in got him fixed w/shots and now he needs a place where he can adjust to living without fear, he lets me pick him up but just has fear in his eye and he has the greenest eye I have ever seen, this isnt the best pic but please spread around, he needs a home ASAP and he does like other cats its humans he needs to trust, but he has never hissed or growled at me just has sad eyes. call me 214-207-7656 or email me at bcolao@sbcglobal.net pleas send around and lets find him the purrfect home!!

It's Fixed :)

2008-04-24T08:34:00.002-05:00

Ok, yesterday afternoon I called my apartment complex again and this time I actually got a hold of the manager! :) While I was on the phone with her she called the maintenence supervisor and told me it would be fixed today (well yesterday now) and if it wasn't fixed by noon today I was to call her back. Well, when I got home I had a work order on my table signed by maintenence showing they had fixed the tub! :) And this morning when I got in the shower I didn't feel like I was taking a bath at the same time :) I know, the littlest things seem to tickle me pink, lol.

Question

2008-04-23T08:43:00.002-05:00

If you were renting an apartment and lets say you had lived there oh say about 2 and half years. During this time when you needed someone to come in and repair something it never took longer than 3 days for someone to come and fix it. You'd be pretty happy about this place wouldn't you? Well, after all this time you have a problem with lets say the bath tub is clogged up and you've been calling your management office for 3 and half weeks to get this resolved now. What would you do in this situation? Everything else about this complex has been a great.

Remember Who You Are

2008-04-22T15:27:00.003-05:00

I was reading the April Issue of the Ensign and came across this story that just touched my heart because I can totally relate to a lot of those same feelings she had in her darkest moments. My situation was quite different and my mom never said the same words that this mom to this girl, but my out come is similar. I still haven't found Mr. Right yet but hopefully someday soon I will.

Remember Who You Are

Name of the Author Withheld

It was around my 14th birthday when my mother started talking in code. Just as I would be running out the door for some new adventure with my friends, she would call out, "Remember who you are!"

I wasn't quite sure what she meant meant by that, but I would feign understanding and yell over my shoulder, "OK, Mom. Bye!" At times I would mull over her coded message. What was she trying to say? I knew who I was: Traci, sixth child in my family; big deal.

I decided my mother's message was the result of her occupation. She had been a registered nurse for about 25 years, so maybe she had seen children who had been left with amnesia after some horrible accident. Yes, I decided, she wants to make sure that if I'm ever hurt, I will remember my name and other vital information. That must be the reason for her emphatic message.

As I was growing up, life with my family was not always pleasant, despite the fact we were all members of the church. After one particularly bad night, I remember staring at myself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the reflection staring back at me because my face was red from my father's repeated slaps. I started crying, not knowing what to do or think. Thoughts of running away crossed my mind. Even worse ideas of ending my unhappy life wormed their way into my confused thought process.

At no other time before or since have I felt so alone. I felt worn out, almost willing to let the surrounding darkness take over. I looked into the mirror once more. The words "I don't even know myself" tumbled from my lips. That was when I heard my mother's phrase repeated clearly and distinctly in my mind: "Remember who you are! Remember who you are!"

I can describe that moment only as enlightening. For the first time, I realized what my mother's message meant: it was her plea for me to remember my divine heritage. A phrase from the primary song echoed in my mind: "I am a Child of God" (Hyms, no. 301). That sudden reminder helped me fight Satan's temptation to take drastic action. The knowledge that my nature was divine would help me endure to the end; my mother understood that, and I know she hoped that someday I would as well.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one who understood His divine heritage. The scriptures tell us that in His youth He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). The more His understanding grew, the better prepared He was to fulfill His role as the Savior of the world.

We will not be called upon to suffer as Christ did, but to help us combat our trials, Heavenly Father has given us tools for increasing our understanding of our divine heritage. We have the scriptures, which show us how others have recognized their roles as sons and daughters of God and have acted accordingly. We have the prophets, who teach us about our divine nature and potential. We have the priesthood, which enables us to receive inspired blessings that affirm our relationship to Heavenly Father. We have temples, where we may participate in instructive and sacred ordinances. We also have the means for direct communication with Heavenly Father-prayer- which can help us during those times when we forget who we are.

The years following the night I figured out my mother's code were still difficult. But my insight into my divine nature helped me come to view my challenges with an eternal perspective. My knowledge of my divine heritage has influenced the path I have chosen, leading me to marry in the temple and, with my husband, work to rear a family firmly grounded in the gospel.

I still think often about my mother's words. At times I have imagined a final interaction with Heavenly Father before I departed for earth, and I like to picture Him embracing me and urging me on with one last morsel of advice: "Remember who you are!"

Flash Back

2008-04-20T18:16:00.002-05:00

I had been thinking a lot about Eric lately. And I came across the CD my mom made for me of Eric's wedding. Aren't they the cutest couple?

Eric, if you read my blog please call me. I'd like to hear your voice and see how you are doing. I love you and miss you!

2008-04-19T19:29:00.002-05:00

Well today after class I finally broke down and bought a new cell phone. My other one was dropping way to many calls and when it showed I had signal it wouldn't let me make phone calls, send or receive text messages. It was well worth the expense. I talked to my mom for the first time for over 20 minutes in my apartment no less without it dropping the call! And I've been successfully sending and receiving texts! Me and motorola must not mesh well together for some reason, lol.

2008-04-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

Right after the Stake RS Meeting I had to go to class. The teacher handed back the tests we took last week and I aced it!!! So I will not have to take the next one. Just the final exam on May 10 :)

Stake RS Enrichment Meeting

2008-04-19T18:32:00.004-05:00

I went to the Stake RS Enrichment Meeting this morning. It was very uplifting and well put together!

One of the members of the Stake RS Presidency spoke about something that made me think....I never thought of it that way! Do you ever have those moments? She described the scriptures like letters from our Heavenly Father. She said "lets say that one of your parents had suddenly passed away and they had left a letter or two for you. Would you choose not to open it and read because you thought you knew everything that that parent wanted you to know? If you were to open and read it, wouldn't that make you feel closer to that person? The scripturs are just like that. When we not only read the bible but the Book of Mormon as well it makes us feel closer to our Heavenly Father." Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and knew that we would need more than what is in the bible. Especially in these latter days. I feel so blessed to be living in these days where the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored.

I really liked that and thought it was a good analogy. The picture above is of a few of the sisters I sat with from my ward. In order from left to right is Janay, Rachel and April.

A Blog Meme

2008-04-15T11:34:00.005-05:00

First, the rules:

1. Each blogger answers the questions about themselves.

2. Then tag five people. Make sure to let them know! :)

What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998

1. Attending Rowlett Highschool (Senior year)
2. Went to Backstreet Boys Concert
3. Worked at Walmart in the Layaway department
4. I still had my braces on
5. That was the year I met my best friend Carmen

Five things on my to-do list today (just to name a few)

1. Come to work

2. Call management at Apt. complex. I put in a work order request 2 weeks ago and nothing has been fixed yet.
3. Go to lunch with Vera and Kim
4. I have a file to fund this afternoon
5. Go to Institute this evening.

Snacks I enjoy

1. Potato chips
2. Twizzlers
3. Dr. Pepper (has to be the original)
4. Chocolate chip cookies
5. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream

Things I would do if I were a billionaire

1. Buy a house
2. Pay off each of my parents houses
3. Help Mom and Chuck move to TX
4. Get out of debt
5. Invest and spend wisely

Five of my bad habits

1. Eating too much
2. Sleeping in until the last minute
3. Dr. Pepper
4. Procrastinating
5. Dr. Pepper :)

Five places I have lived

1. Ogden, UT
2. Mulvane, KS
3. Wichita, KS
4. Rowlett, TX
5. Dallas, TX

Five jobs I’ve had

1. Ice Cream Store
2. Cashier
3. Babysitter
4. Litigation Paralegal
5. Escrow Assistant

What I’d like to be doing in 25 years (I will be 52)

1. Playing with grandkids and/or grand nieces and nephews
2. Enjoying retirment
3. Have no debt
4. Traveling the world with whoever I am married to (since I'm single right now and don't know who that will be yet
5. Staying close to family

I tag Karla none of my friends are bloggin yet:( hint hint, lol!

Class

2008-04-12T16:05:00.001-05:00

Ok, so you are probably wondering how my test when today. I think I actually did good!! Keep your fingers crossed. If I did really good on it then I won't have to take the next one :)

This Week

2008-04-11T20:08:00.003-05:00

Well, this week didn't go as bad as I thought it would :)

It did go slow however. Yes, work is still slow. I'm praying the real estate business picks up because otherwise I have a really good job and I work with great people.

I've continued working on my yoga, and dang it I'm not seeing the results that I want so far....I am going to continue with it.

I go to institute every Tuesday night and we were studying the book of Esther and how she thought at first she was destined to be a queen and pampered but come to find out she was meant to be put in a position where she could save her people. I thought that was quite interesting. She had to have had a lot of faith to do what she did.

Tomorrow I have another test in my class so wish me luck! It's on fractions and I am really bad with fractions! The professor is only going to base our final grade on our 3 best exams and this may be the one he won't be using, lol.

The Goll

2008-04-10T16:21:00.004-05:00

I got this email this afternoon with this web site: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999166/posts

At first I was angry when I read this because I am thinking...These are your people who shouldn't be in America in the first place. DEAL WITH IT! Your problem not ours.

But then I had to start laughing. This also means that we are finally doing something about the illegal immigration problem :) Way to go AZ! Now we need TX to start doing the same thing.

The Diary of Dogs and Cats

2008-04-08T15:43:00.002-05:00

I wonder if cats and dogs think like this. LOL

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

22 ways to be a good Democrat

2008-04-08T15:36:00.001-05:00

I got this email today and couldn't help but laugh. This is so true it's sad.

1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion.
2. You have to believe that businesses creates oppression and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U. S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.
4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.
5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by documented cyclical changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.
6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.
7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of Federal funding.
8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach fourth grades how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside San Francisco do.
10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make "The Passion of the Christ" for financial gain only.
12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Graham Bell.
15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
16. You have to believe Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.
17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
18. You have to believe Conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.
19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites and bestiality should be constitutionally protected and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
20. You have to believe that illegal Democrat Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest of the United States .
21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast right wing conspiracy.
22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."
READY TO VOTE???

Rudy

2008-04-08T10:46:00.002-05:00

As you probably have guessed from a lot of my posts that I love cats :) Especially mine! (They are my children) I have been talking a little bit to the lady that I adopted Rudy from and she sent me this pic of him when she had him. It looks like this was when he wasn't feeling to well. I don't know if you all know his little history. He has come a long way. He is quite the little fighter! He was first found in a low income apartment complex obviously no one was caring for him :( and the apartment complex management caught and took him to a shelter where he was almost euthanized when he was rescued and brought to his foster mom. Then not long after that he got the panleukimia virus and no one was sure he was going to survive. Then I adopted him back in November of 2006 along with Sweetie :) ( she is soooo cute) and the following Februrary he got sick again with some kind of upper respitory infection of some kind and he looked really bad then so I can't even imagine what he looked like when he had that other virus. But of course he pulled through. He is quite the little trooper! (correct me if I'm wrong about any of this Cindy :)) Thankfully he's done and continues to do really well since. :)

Not my Day

2008-04-06T18:23:00.005-05:00

Today has not been my day. I am really hoping that it isn't setting the mood for the upcoming week.

First, I can't get my windows media player to work so I can listen to conference. This is what I've done every year the past 2 years so needless to say I missed out. I will have to read the conference talks in the Ensign.

Second, Rudy broke my printer. I was trying to print out the montly VT print out so I can get that ready for next Sunday and while it's printing Rudy gets up on top of the printer and breaks off the thing that holds up the paper. Well apparently something else must have snapped because now it won't print at all.

And third, it took me several attempts to log on so I can update my blog. I kept getting some error and now I'm just down right frustrated.

Oh, well. There isn't much I can do about it so I'm trying not to let it get to me.

On the bright side, I did get a couple of good pic's of the kitties :) before I got upset with Rudy, lol. I can never stay mad at them for to long.

Some of my favorite things

2008-04-03T16:15:00.003-05:00

Some of my favorite things are: (not in any particular order)

1. Getting lost in a really good book
2. The smell of roses
3. Warm sand beneath my feet. (especially in Hawaii :))
4. Watching the sun set or rise
5. Spending time with friends and family
6. The smell of freshly mowed grass
7. Thunder storms (only when I don't have to be out in them)
8. Yoga
9. Playing with my kitty cats (they are so precious!)
10. Mexican food
11. Anything Disney (favorite character Mickey Mouse)
12. The ocean
13. Dolphins
14. Country music
15. Dr. Pepper (this is my biggest vice right now! I'm finally down to just one a day, lol)
16. Chocolate
17. My calling as a Visiting Teaching Leader. I have absolutly enjoyed this calling! I've told my RS President I would not be happy with her if I got released or called to do something else in the near future :)~

Grandpa LaMunyon

2008-04-02T15:09:00.002-05:00

Again, going through some old emails I found this pic of my grandpa LaMunyon. Who does he remind you of? If you guessed Allen you guessed right. So my attempts of convincing Allen he's the milk man's child isn't going to work anymore, lol :) Sorry about that Allen. You know I love you!

Flash Back

2008-04-02T14:39:00.005-05:00

I was going through my emails and I found these pic's that I took of Rudy and Sweetie a few days after I adopted them back in November of 2006. Look how small they are! Aren't they just absolutely precious?!

Update

2008-04-01T15:21:00.005-05:00

I know I have been slacking on keeping up with my blog the last couple of weeks. So here is what has been happening.

Work of course has still been slow.

I was sick for almost 2 weeks with a really bad sinus infection and had to go to the Dr. twice. (YUCK)

I got my hair cut :) It's shorter than I've had in a long time, but it looks really cute. I will have to take some pic's and post them when I get my new adapter to my computer at home. I'm using the one at the office to update my blog :( The cat's chewed through the one I have. So much for the good behavior, lol. Oh well, I still love them. They are my babies.

My math class is still going alright. It is getting tougher :( I don't think I've mentioned how much I hate math!

I started doing my yoga again. We shall see how long this lasts. I'm one of those people that get discouraged if I don't see some changes in a week and give up for awhile. :( I need help staying motivated. Any suggestions?

I found out my mom and step dad are coming to visit me in June :) I'm so excited. I miss my mom. She is my best friend and I so miss shopping with her or just finding a place to sit with some popcorn and a Dr. Pepper and people watch. I know that probably sounds funny but it is a lot of fun. :)

That pretty much sums up the last couple of weeks. :)

New Cat Toy

2008-03-15T21:07:00.004-05:00

I saw this when I was at the store and had to get it. The kitties have been so good, that and I hadn't spoiled them with anything recently. But as you can see Rudy has taken it over. When Sweetie trys to play in it Rudy chases her out, lol. What a little stinker!

Test

2008-03-15T20:40:00.002-05:00

For those of you who know me know that I'm really bad at math. Especially when it comes to Algebra! Well I got my 2nd math test back and I got a 110 :) It's finally making sense!

Stake Conference

2008-03-09T12:24:00.003-05:00

Today was our Stake Conference. And as I'm sure you can guess since I have a picture of Dalin H. Oaks posted, you've guessed right :) Dalin H. Oaks came and spoke at the Richardson Texas Stake Conference. I've heard this man speak at General Conferences and CES broadcasts, but I have never seen him or any other General Authority in person. It was a neat experience.

When it was his turn to get up and speak, he had this powerful presence about him. He has quite the sense of humor but at the same time he has the ability to deliver a powerful message. I don't think I will ever forget this!

The last few years they have been breaking up Stake Conference into 2 sessions because of how many members there are in our Stake. I am so glad that my ward was included in the morning session! I got there about and hour and fifteen minutes early and the parking lot was already almost full. I didn't get to sit up front, but I was still fairly close. As Conference was beginning I took a look around and it was packed! I'd never seen so many people show up to Stake Conference before.

I can't remember what this persons name is, but I think they said she is the Temple President. She was talking about the CTR rings that we wear and a couple of other meanings that it has other than Choose The Right. She said that she wore hers next to her wedding rings so that it would remind her to keep a current temple reccomend. The other meaning she got from her grand daughter who told her that her primary teacher told her if you wear it backwards it stand for Return To Christ. I really liked that.

And of Course they saved Elder Oaks for last. He started out by saying that he had done some research about our Stake Presidency before his trip here. He said in order from President, 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor they were Cop, Attorney, and Controller, so his first thought was what kind of Conference was he in for, lol. He also said that after conference that we would most likely forget what was said in the talks given today, but what was important was how we felt. Well, I don't want to forget some of the things that was said so I am trying to write them all down before I do. He also said one time when he was working at BYU he had some sisters approach him and ask him if a man with the priesthood approached them saying he had a revelation that he needed to propose to them do they have to accept. His response was he may have had the revelation to ask, but you can also receive a revelation as to wether or not to say yes. The reason the guy may have had the revelation to ask may have been a lesson the Lord wanted to give him in being rejected.

He also talked briefly on Missionary work. He said he was going to make a small point and wanted us to help him with it. So first he asked all the full time missionaries to stand, and asked us to look around at those that were there. Then he asked for the ward missionaries to stand and there were a few more people up. Then he asked those of us that were responsible to share the gospel and everyone stood up.

I can't remember much else that was said, but like he said at the beginning that we probably wouldn't but it is important to remember how we felt. The spirt was definatley there and has left a permanent impression on my heart. This is truly the Lord's Church restored upon this earth. We are so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today to lead and guide us.

Voting

2008-03-04T16:23:00.002-06:00

I just have to vent a little bit. This morning I went to go vote for the Primary. I figured since McCain pretty much had the republican vote I was going to vote for Hillary since I would rather see her run against McCain than Obama and then in November I would vote Republican. Well Hillary was the only Democrat I wanted to vote for and everyone else I wanted to vote Republican all the way down. Well....it don't work that way anymore! I was soooo frustrated! They had us standing in 2 different lines. One for Democrats and the other Republican. There was no in between options. They even stamped my voting card Democratic. I soooo hope that doesn't affect the way I want to vote in the end.

Our Trip to the Vet

2008-02-23T11:31:00.017-06:00

Today we went to the vet to get updated on shots.

It actually didn't take much to get them in the carrier's :) They were quite funny at the vet, so I took lots of pictures.

I wonder if I can dig my way out this way....

Checkin things out. Hey this place looks familar..:(

I wonder if I can blend in these cushions?

I wonder if I play dead the vet will leave me alone...

I wonder if I can hide down in here

There wasn't a way out on the other side...maybe theres a way over here.

Maybe I can get back in the cage

Is he coming?

If I get way up in this corner, maybe he won't see me.

This looks like a good place :)

Maybe I can hide behind mom?

Celebrating

2008-02-23T11:02:00.004-06:00

Carmen and I met last night at TGI Fridays for dinner and to celebrate her new job. She has worked so hard to get where she is and I am so proud of her. She got hired on at Presby Dallas as a NICU nurse and will be starting in June after she graduates :) She has been working at Presby Dallas for the last 7 years (correct if I'm wrong about that Carmen) as a pharmacy tech. At least you already know what the drive is like :) Congratulations! We then went to the mall and had a blast!

Food for Thought

2008-02-23T02:33:00.002-06:00

I had a conversation with a friend not to long ago. I am not going to mention names, but this person may know who I am referring to. I don't mean any offence, so please don't take it that way none is intended, but what was said has been bothering me a little bit and I haven't been able to sleep all that well lately anyways, so I decided to go ahead and get up and start writing what some of my thoughts are.

The conversation that came up was on religion. I respect those that believe in other things, but what was said has really got me thinking. The comment that got to me was something like it's what I want or what fits in my life. I may be taking this the wrong way or misconstrued what was meant, but I feel that I need to bear my testimony to this person.

To me religion isn't what "fits" with my lifestyle. Being a member of a church should be because you know in your heart it is absolutly true. Not because it's simply what I want or what I think it should be. It should be because I want Christ in my life and it's what He wants for me. I've had quite a few people tell me that being Mormon is to hard. Yes, this is true. It can be hard, but the Church is true. Christ said that it wouldn't be easy. He only said it would be worth it.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church on this earth today. I know that we are led by living prophets today that President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and was called of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and through him His church was restored to it's fullness. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and it has brought so much peace and happiness in my life. I also believe the Bible to be the word of God. The Book of Mormon fills in so many gaps that are left wide open in the Bible. I know His Plan. I know that Christ lives and through Him I can return to my Heavenly Father. I am going to share one of my favorite hymns that we sing in church sometimes, it's called "I know That My Redeemer Lives."

"I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives who once was dead. He lives my everlasting head. He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above. He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye. He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my souls complaint. He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind wise heavenly friend. He lives and loves me to the end. He lives, and while he lives I'll sing. He lives, my prophet, Priest and King. He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to His name! He lives, my Savior still the same. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives! All glory to His name! He lives my Savior still the same. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives!"

I leave you with these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Girls Day Out

2008-02-21T18:37:00.005-06:00

I had taken today off from work to have a girls day out with my best friend Claudia and her sister Zena. Yesterday was bright, sunny and warm. Today as I was getting ready to head out to Claudia's this is what I walk out to. It's cold, wet and rainy!

Zena's husband was kind enough to watch the little ones with the exception of Zachary so that we could have an afternoon out :)

We went to Whataburger for lunch, and we saw the movie 27 dresses. If you haven't already seen it, I would reccomend. It was really good! So even with it being cold, wet and rainy we still had a great time :)

More Random Stuff

2008-02-20T15:26:00.007-06:00

This is me outside the Mormon Batalion trail. It was a neat experience to stand out on the trail where there is so much church history.

Dad gave me a new digital camera for Christmas, so Nick and I were goofing off :) I still can't believe how much he's grown up!

Dad took Nick and I to this nice little mexican restaurant before we had to go to the airport. Thanks Dad for everything!

Poor Roxie get's kept locked outside! But I do understand why. She is one hyper dog! She would make your house look like a tornado had come and gone if let loose in the house, lol.

Random Stuff

2008-02-20T15:02:00.004-06:00

Today has been a slow day! So I thought since I had a disc. with a lot of pic's from November at Dad's house I would post some more :)

This is Allen and his girlfriend Ashley.

Nick is playing guitar hero III. He was really good at this one. Well he was good at all of the Wii games they had. He got me hooked to the bowling and tennis games. I may have to save up and get one for Christmas this year :)

I think it was the day before I had to come back to TX that I took Allen and Nick to Taco Bell. I wonder what Allen is on, lol. (jk) I don't think this kid gets much sleep.

Allen is being a sweet little brother and helping me with my computer. Hmmm...wonder whats wrong with it!

What's in a name?

2008-02-17T21:04:00.001-06:00

I don't know if this is accurate....some of what this says couldn't be further away from the truth, lol. But it was fun to do.

What Rachell Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Indoor Rock Climbing

2008-02-17T17:40:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago my visiting teacher called me up and said that her and her other visiting teachee were going to go indoor rockclimbing. So I met them there at this place out in Carrollton and had a blast. There were a few walls I had a hard time with, but it was still fun. I was sore for 2 days after this, lol.

Me, Caitlin and Amie.

I actually made it to the top!!! :)

Stephen's Birthday party on 2/9/2008 5yrs old

2008-02-16T21:58:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday Stephen! Claudia made the cake herself!

Little Zachary doesn't know what to make of all the comotion :)

It's the birthday boy! I can't believe he's 5 years old! When I first met him and his family he was 2!

Let's mask spider man!

This is a different kind of pinata than what I'm used. I guess with a bunch of little boys around it was safer to pull strings than to blind fold them and give them a bat, lol.

Awww, on the second try! That sure didn't last long!

Cake and icecream anyone?

The best part of a birthday is opening the gifts :)

Joseph's 3rd Birthday Party at Chuck E Cheese Jan. 1, 2008

2008-02-16T18:28:00.001-06:00

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Guess who the big winner was today :)

Happy Birthday Joseph!

Anthony modeling the little ring he got along with a little spin top.

Stephen showing his little prize he got from all the tickets he won from playing the games. Doesn't he look excited :)

Make a wish!

Now the fun part!

December 2007

2008-02-12T20:19:00.002-06:00

Rudy under the tree. I couldn't keep either one of these 2 kitties out of the tree :)

Sweetie under the Christmas tree.

This is little Zachary. Isn't he cute! He's only about a month and a half in this picture and he's already smiling :)

Joseph and Stephen snacking on some of mom's yummy fresh home made cookies.

Here is Michael.

Anthony getting ready to go to Cub Scouts and showing off his new badge :)

What did Claudia get? She got a cute little stuffed bear :) Zena was the one to start off with the snow globe :) I think it got stolen a total of 3 times, lol

Doesn't Devin look happy with his white elephant gift, lol!

Since Zena's first gift was stolen, she had to choose another one...

Richard took the snow globe from his dad, lol.

Mrs. Bullock got a couple of bottles of perfume as her white elephant.

Mr. Bullock modeling his new sweater during the white elephant gift exchange game.

Rudy and Sweetie playing.

Sweetie thinking she's the Queen :) Isn't she cute!

November 2007

2008-02-12T18:25:00.001-06:00

This is one of my favorite pic's of Sweetie. She was laying on top of the couch next to me while Rudy was laying right beside me the evening that I came back from AZ, lol. (see below for pic of Rudy :))

Nick showing off his drums :)

Dad took us to see the new Joseph Smith movie and while we were waiting for it to start, one of the Sister Missionaries took a picture of the three of us in front of the Christus Statue.

This was taking later the same day outside the Mesa AZ Temple. I think this is a beautiful Temple!

Dad took Nick and I out to the Mormon Battalion Trail after Thanksgiving dinner.

Rudy didn't miss me to much when I was gone. :)

I really like this one of Allen and Nick goofing off :)

I went to AZ to spend Thanksgiving with my dad and 2 of my brothers. In order from left to right is me, Allen and Nicholas. (I can't believe they are taller than me now!!)

Getting Started

2008-02-12T18:21:00.000-06:00

Since my step mother has a blog and I've really enjoyed pulling it up and reading and looking at the pictures that she posts I have really been wanting to do the same. So I figured I would go ahead and get started :)