A New Some Place

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Part 2

2010-06-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Since we arrived mid afternoon to our condo on our first day at the beach, we decided to spend those few afternoon hours by the pool instead of on the beach. It was the second day that we were ready to lay out in our blue rental chairs. Emily got up early and walked down to the beach to choose our chairs. The rental guy told her that the media's coverage of the oil spill had nearly ruined his rental business. We were about to find out how true that was. The first photo was taken from the balcony. You can see the discoloration.

The next three photos are of what is being called "oil mousse." It was clearly visible from the balcony of our condo, but I wanted a close up view as soon as we hit the beach.

This is a tar ball that was near the oil mousse.

More photos to come!

Gulf Coast Oil Spill- Part 1

2010-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe that I haven't updated my blog since FEBRUARY! Ok, yes I can. Life is busy and crazy. My friend Emily and I planned our first beach trip to Gulf Shores. We'd been watching the oil spill closely and thus far, the effects had not been severe in Gulf Shores. However, noaa.gov's website did predict that the oil would reach the gulf within days of our arrival. Before we left I kept in regular contact with the realty company I'd booked our condo through. I was also doing beach sessions while I was there, so having up to date knowledge of the oil spill was crucial to me. Before we left our realty company offered us an extra night for basically nothing. So, we left on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Here are pics from our first day, June 9th. It was really surreal to see, in person, images I'd been seeing on the news and internet.

Most days, the crews were finished by mid morning and moved on to another part of the beach. They worked hard to clean the sand and tiny tar balls that washed up.

February 2010 Snow!

2010-02-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we didn't get as much snow as they predicted (alarmists!), but we DID get snow! I'd say 2-3 inches. There were areas around us that got more, but we werent as lucky.

We went with Jay and Emily for a drive out in the country and (of course) we stopped for a few pics. Thankfully my friends will take the camera from me at time, or else there'd never be pics of me with Bobby!

Emily did a GREAT job!

Here's our sweet little house all covered in snow.

We stopped at Second Street Bean for lunch (and a cinnamon red hot latte...YUM!)

And, oh did my sweet baby noodle love the snow. I may have my "mommy goggles" on, but I think she is SOOOO stinkin' cute!

And here is my honey with our girls. Don't you just love their new jackets?!?! CUTENESS!!

Ok, it's time for some corn and crab bisque and a nap! Happy Snow Day!

The Craziest Weather EVER

2010-02-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

I have seen more snow in the past two years than I've seen in my ENTIRE life! School is cancelled tomorrow because (as you can see below) there is a 100% chance of snow. They are predicting 5-9 INCHES!!!

Hey, is it still considered a "chance" when its 100%?? :)

Anyway, camera batteries are charging, we've stockpiled food, and Wookie and Jewel have new little jackets to wear for the occasion. We're ready. Bring on the snow!

Baby Food!

2010-01-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

The babies are getting SO big! It's amazing to watch them grow. They have changed and learned so many new things each time we see them. It was a joy to spend a few days with them at the beach and to wake up to their laughter and "talking."

The girls are now eating baby food along with their formula. It's so cute to watch them. Anna is still getting used to the new texture and taste of food while Macey (two months older) is a pro and enjoys making the "stink face" when she eats. Too cute, these two!

Starting the New Year off at the Beach

2010-01-03T18:56:00.001-08:00

We went down to Gulf Shores and spent the weekend with friends. The guys went salt water fishing while we (the girls) did our own thing. Here's two pics taken from the balcony of the condo. Man, coming back to reality sure isnt fun! :(

Hey, Ya'll, it's appetizers Part 2

2009-12-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with the recipe that follows. I just like my Christmas mug. I sip warm apple cider from it while I cook. Good times.

This recipe is for Tomato Tarts. Again, super easy...VERY tasty! Here's the recipe:

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry

olive oil

1/2 cup grated white cheddar cheese (couldn't find this in my podunk town, so I used mozzerella)

4-5 plum tomatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick

salt and pepper

fresh thyme

parmesan cheese

preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Allow puff pastry to thaw for 20 mins. Unfold the pastry and use a 1 1/2 or 2 inch biscuit cutter, cut rounds out of dough. Place the rounds on the baking sheet. Prick the surface of the rounds with a fork (I forgot this step in my first batch...huge mistake!) Brush each round lightly with olive oil and top with white cheddar (or mozz in my case), then with a tomato slice, then sprinkle with a pinch of thyme and a little parm cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes. Let cool for 2-3 mins before serving.

Here's what my prep looked like. Can you believe with all the cooking I do, that I dont have a biscuit cutter?? I do, however, have this muppets glass that I've had since I was a kid. It's always been my biscuit cutter. Cute, huh?

This is what these yummy babies look like when they are ready to go in the oven.

And here's the finished product. Even my neighbor (who doesn't eat tomatoes) gladly picked the tomato off just to eat the puff pastry. It's THAT good, folks.

The husband is already begging for more.

Hey, Ya'll, it's appetizers! Part 1

2009-12-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Last year, the husband gave me the Christmas with Paula Deen book for Christmas. I took it off the shelf this year and tried out two of her appetizers in the "Christmas Open House" section.

This recipe is called Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, and it's seriously easy to make. Here's the recipe:

24 fresh mushrooms (stems removed)

one 10 oz package of frozen chopped spinach

2 ounces of cream cheese, softened

4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup of finely chopped green onion (white and green part)

salt

parmesan cheese

Wipe the caps of the mushrooms with a damp cloth. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drain the spinach in a collander and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, feta, green onions, and salt to tast. Mix well. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture and place on a cooke sheet. Sprinke the parmesan cheese on top.

Bake 15-20 mins until golden. Serve warm.

This is what they look like assembled and ready to pop in the oven.

And although the pic isn't great, this is what they look like out of the oven. However, you want get to see them for long. They go fast. Trust me. Go ahead and double the recipe.

Santa Paws Came to Town!

2009-12-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Santa Paws turned a blind eye to the raw hide candy cane fights and the digs in the bathroom trash can, and he left these two girls lots of Christmas loot!

They were very excited to learn they weren't on the naughty list!
They even decided to kiss and make up for fighting over the candy cane last night. Sisterly love. :)
The heated bed is going to be a big hit (we can already tell).
So, I think we will return the heated pad and get a second heated bed instead. When you're pups are 9 and 12 years old, they have certain needs. Warmth is one of those needs as it the lack of aching joints. An upclose of my schnauzer, Jewel. The most perfect creature ever (even if she does get into the bathroom trash can from time to to time).
Sweet Wookie in her cupcake sweater. Be still, my heart!

Chicken Spaghetti by Pioneer Woman

2009-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

I love the Pioneer Woman's blog. For Christmas Eve dinner I made her Chicken Spaghettie recipe. This is the second time I've made it, and it's quite YUM.
Ingredients
2 cups Cooked Chicken
3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
Salt And Pepper (to Taste)
1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Preparation Instructions
Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.
Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

These are the directions straight from The Pioneer Woman's website, and here's a linky to her blog http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Stockings are still my favorite part of Christmas. These are our stockings that I got for us last year.

Presents are good too!
Our tree. I worked hard to figured out how to take a picture of a lighted tree. I love the result.

That's all for now! Tomorrow I will post pictures of the yummy recipes I made today.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

wow, so its been a while

2009-12-23T15:17:00.001-08:00

But I have an awesome excuse! We've been moving, plus working, plus photography....so yeah, a little overwhelmed! I didn't even change my background to something for the Christmas season. Oh well, I did quickly change the banner...hey, it counts.

We are in our new old house. Funny thing, our new old house isn't as old as the OLD house. Ok, just forget all of that. Bottom line, we are HOME. I love this little house and we are SO much happier here. We still have much to do to get our thing out of the other house, but that will come in the next few weeks.

My foot is in HORRIBLE shape. I get my brace on Monday. I'm really hoping that it helps and alleviates some (all) of the pain.

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas! I have just a few things left to wrap. We have a couple of Christmas party invites and a New Years trip with friends that we are looking forward to.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Well, I've now been to the Hattiesburg Zoo!

2009-10-29T14:39:00.001-07:00

And thats about all I can say! Literally, it took 30 minutes to see the whole zoo. It was only $2 to get in, but you know what? It's nice that Hattiesburg has a zoo (small though it be) for little ones to enjoy. I was able to take a few pictures while I was there. I haven't used my old EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens on my Canon 50D until this day. I came to ONE conclusion...it's a piece of junk lens! I'll be holding out for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L !!!

Pup in a Basket

2009-10-15T21:39:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share two pictures of Wookie that I did tonight. I'm playing with fabric as backdrops and my external flash. She is such a patient little model! White dogs are HARD to photograph without blowing areas of their bodies. Oh well, did my best. She is still SUPER cute to me :)

I'm in love with PSE actions!

2009-10-11T21:18:00.001-07:00

I've been trying so hard to learn photoshop elements. It's NOT an easy to learn program. I am absolutely fallen in love with actions, and spent a good bit of time installing some tonight. Here is a pic I took today. It's unedited, SOOC (straight out of camera).

Here it is with the "moody pop" action.

Here it is with the "hazy days" action.

"Vintage News" LOVE this one!

"Vintage Honey"

All of the actions shown on my blog came from one of these two sites. If you're into this kind of thing, check 'em out!

http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/

http://www.jessicabellphotography.com/designs/

2 pics 2 pups

2009-09-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing much today. Just wanted to share two pictures I took of my "girls." I'm totally out of automatic mode and I'm not going to look back. PSE is also kicking my butt, however I know I will be better for it! So much to learn...it's overwhelming!

Anna E visits!

2009-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Anna Elizabeth came for a visit on Saturday. She was supposed to have her 3 month pictures done by her photographer, but the weather didn't want to cooperate. Later on, the sun came out so we took a few pictures here. Anna was not in the mood for all that. The only grin we got out of her was when Mommy did "flying baby." Apparently, it can't be resisted!

This is my favorite from the day. She looks so serious in this photo. I played around in PSE (still so much to learn) with an action that I downloaded. I just love the result!

Such a Daddy's girl :)

Poor Jew Jew Beans!

2009-09-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

My sweet Schnauzer, Jewel, had to have surgery last week. If you have a schnauzer, you may have been through this already as it appears to be a common ailment with the breed. Last Friday, my husband took her outside for a potty break and noticed two small stones fall from her urine. He couldn't decide if they came out of her, or if she had picked them up when she stopped in the driveway to scratch and they fell off while she urinated.

To be on the safe side, he collected the stones and took them to the vet on Monday. The vet said that they looked like other stones she had seen dogs pass. She did an xray on Jewel and saw about a dozen stones in her bladder-one the size of a silver dollar!

Our vet arranged for surgery on Wednesday. For the rest of that Monday and Tuesday, I was in a total panic. My schnauzer is no spring chicken. As a matter of fact, she was turning 12 that Thursday. I hated the idea of her being put under anethesia, but I knew she was uncomfortable. She would make a potty but continue squatting like she still had to go. She had also had a couple of accidents inside, which she NEVER does!

So, poor Butters (yes, she has a gazillion nicknames) goes in for surgery Wednesday morning.

It actually didn't take them long to complete the surgery. This is our old girl on some pretty darn good drugs when we picked her up.

Poor baby had drooled on herself....LOL!

It turned out that she had nearly 100 stones in her bladder! This is what they looked like! These were not coming from her kidneys, they were being formed in the bladder. So, they will be sent off for analyzing, and we can determine what kind of preventative diet to put her on.

Dr. Loper is such a great vet!

My sweet girl, home and resting.

A Few More Layouts

2009-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Loving the KI Memories Flouish collection as well as October Afternoon's Ducks in a Row. What a sweet collection for baby pictures! I've thrown a Basic Grey layout in for good measure. :) It's hard for me to resist BG!

American Crafts and Fancy Pants

2009-09-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

A couple more layouts using American Crafts and Fancy Pants products. Combine these two with Basic Grey and you probably have my top three favorite companies. Thanks for looking :)

Doodlebug Sweet Shoppe

2009-09-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Been doing a little scrapping this week and came up with these three layouts using the Sweet Shoppe collections from Doodlebug. Such pretty patterned papers, embellishments, and glittery goodness! Enjoy!

What Catches!

2009-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Bobby and Jay were able to do a little fishing Labor Day weekend. Although, the fish weren't hitting as much as the last time, they had a good time. They also learned a thing or two about "baby reds" or "croaker fish." :)

Labor Day Weekend pt 3

2009-09-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Group Shot

and, FINALLY, pictures of me and Bobby! Thanks to Jay and Emily, who took the camera away from me, we have some recent pics of the two of us. Yippee!

Labor Day Weekend pt 2

2009-09-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Three more of my favorites.

Labor Day Weekend pt 1

2009-09-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Another beach trip! This time we let our other halves come with us! :) I was able to do a quick shoot with Jay and Emily on the beach. These are some of my favorite pictures of them.

Joy in the Form of Four on the Floor

2009-09-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot

This post is simply about nothing other than our two sweet fur babies.

These two are getting old. They will turn 12 and 9 this fall.

They have never judged, withheld affection, or said a harsh word to us. :) They make us laugh, they comfort us when we are sick, and they snuggle us all the time.

They have their own personalities, their favorite toys, their hiding spots, and their funny little quirks.

The have their own language of barks, erfs, growls, and songs. We are FLUENT in their language, recognizing their every sound.

They have many nicknames and answer to them all.

They tell us when it's bedtime.

They tell us when it's potty time.

They refuse to tell us where they've hidden our favorite shoe or when and where (or why)they've thrown up last.

They are our girls. We love them to pieces. :)

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

They Say It's Your Birthday!

2009-09-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

August 25th was my mother in law's birthday. We celebrated that evening at my house with a lovely Snickers Cake.

The birthday girl and her kiddos.

Christy and I getting the cake ready to be served.

The birthday girl and her girls.

Time for presents! Duffy LOVES presents, and Wookie inspects the goods.

Such a patient little lady :)

Kay, Christy, Nell, and Bobby.

Rhondl and Christy

Of course, it wasn't ALL cake and presents! We DID have dinner first. :) I made roasted asparagus and shrimp casserole.

Hope you had a "fall off your feet" kind of fun birthday, Teeter! :)

Livingston Family

2009-08-15T10:44:00.001-07:00

Jay needed some family shots for his football coach banquet (something like that) and I was GLAD to do it! We got some really cute shots...its so fun that Macey is smiling now. :) These are a few of my favorites from the day.

Macey Bug

2009-08-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

This little stink pot refuses to stop growing so quickly! She "talks" and laughs and smiles, and it's just the most precious thing ever! Jay needed some family shots and we were able to get in a couple of "aunt and uncle" shots beforehand. :)

Miss Josie

2009-08-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Robyn have much to be proud of in sweet Miss Josie. Here are a few pictures I took of that precious girl. Let me say, she loves to pose and was so much fun to photograph!

End of Summer Get Together

2009-08-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

If you're a teacher, summer ends at the end of July. :( Very sad, but what a great summer it was! We invited some of our friends over for another cookout. As usual, Jay is the grill master. After some great food, we decided to try the Scene It game on the Xbox. Four players competing against each other at Movie Trivia....I'm awesome! Jonathan is just excited to get one right!

Here are the guys (Douglas, Jonathan, and Bobby), playing against each other.

Jay-total concentration.
Jodi, Emily and Josie have a little girl talk while they watch the game.

Sweet baby Anna-her first party with us :)

Now, I guess it's time to get ready for the real world again...back to school!

Girls Getaway Part 3

2009-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Loving the fun in the sun!

Except for this stupid Rotweiler that charged little kids and barked her head off the whole time!

Bye, bye, beach! We had a blast!

Girls Getaway Part 2

2009-07-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

Em and Beth looking super cute in their floaties! Safety first!

Speaking of safety, way to protect your eyes from those UV rays, Beth!

Our FAVORITE spot on the coast!

We made nightly visits...man, I miss those Orange Fizzes!

Girls Getaway!

2009-07-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are, last Saturday morning, ready to leave for a few days at the beach! Just the girls!

One of the things on my agenda was to purchase a hermit crab. Aren't they cute??

After choosing just the right one (Pincher), we became aware of Emily's disdain for the cute critters. Notice her face in the background...

But, alas, she came around, and grew to love Pincher. Ok, not really, but at least she smiled in this picture!

The Cutest Little Baby Face

2009-07-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of babysitting this sweetheart (Macey..you may remember her two month pictures from June) two days this week.

The first day, was pretty much all day. I still can't figure out how women have babies and never have more than two arms!
Yesterday, however, was just for a couple of hours. I got out the camera and snapped a few pictures before it was nap time.

This little one has totally stolen my heart. She is so precious! I've missed her terribly today. If this continues, we will have baby fever in this house for sure!

Anna Elizabeth

2009-07-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Jodi asked me a while back if I'd take pictures at her shower. At that time, we knew that she and Douglas would be adopting a baby, but we did not know if it would be a boy or a girl, or exactly when the due date was. At this point, Jodi was so apprehensive still about the uncertainity that she would hardly speak of a shower in certain terms. She was careful to guard herself. Knowing all the heartbreak she has been through, it was easy to understand.

If you know Jodi, you know that she loves order. She's just one of those people who always has it together and works well with a plan and a schedule. After all of this, I believe God reminded Jodi that He is in control, and He has a plan. He knew the desires of her heart, and in His time He fulfilled her greatest wish. We are all so thankful that His perfect plan included this miracle of life for Jodi and Douglas.

Jodi and Douglas have waited a long time to become parents. I think that Jodi has probably longed even more so to be a mother. I can't even begin to describe how thrilled we all are to see her hold her daughter in her arms.

Anna is truly a beautiful baby. She is perfect in every way.
Congratulations, Douglas and Jodi, on your precious daughter. I look forward to watching her grow. I know, with parents like you two, she will be an amazing person!

Scenic Route Surprise!

2009-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

I finished scrapbooking Bobby's 30th birthday (back in April of this year). I used Scenic Route's Surprise collection. I love the bright colors!

This is a layout of Bobby opening his presents from me. One was a salt water fishing trip and the other was a trip to TN to see Chuck Missler (we ended up opting out of that one to spend the day bass fishing).

This was taken a little later the same day when Bobby's parents surprised him with a gun for his birthday. Bobby's parents came over for dinner to celebrate the big 3-0, and I picked up two small cakes from Corner Market so that he could blow out the candles on his big day.What Bobby didn't know, was that Saturday night I had a surprise party planned for him. He thought we would just be going over for dinner at his parents house with his grandma and sister and brother law. I surpised him by inviting six of our friends over. This layout is of his cake made by Jody's Bakery.The last two layouts are of the gang yelling, "Surprise!" and of us hanging out back at our house later that night.

Basic Grey Ambrosia Day

2009-07-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few layouts I did with Basic Grey's Ambrosia collection. Enjoy!

Mater Man

Funky, Fabulous, Fresh
pictures taken in New Orleans...there's always someone performing on the streets!

My Peanut
Me and Jewel...she's longing for a peanut :)

What is THIS? RAIN???

2009-07-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

You know you're getting old when you become concerned about the weather. Our last day of school was May 22nd. I know, for a fact, that from that day until July 4th we did not have a DROP of rain at our house! That's OVER a month without rain!

However, that all changed Saturday! Bobby was outside getting somethings ready for a cookout with our friends, when he comes in to tell me to, "come quick, and look outside!" All day it had been cloudy, but we've had threatening clouds before that never let loose any sort of moisture.

Sure enough, I get outside and its...RAIN RAIN GLORIOUS RAIN! Our grass is dying, the tomatoes didn't do so well this year, the ants are about to carry us away...all because of the lack of rain.

Of course, I grabbed the camera. I had to document the first rain in over a month! As I type this, its raining again today (Monday). What is it about rain and the occasional low roll of thunder that makes one VERY sleepy?
*yawn*

Basic Grey Marrakech Day

2009-07-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Finally did some scrapbooking today, and I used all Basic Grey Marrakech products. I really feel like I'm drowning in all of my Basic Grey yumminess, so I decided to get busy, and start scrapping with it!

This is a layout of my husband taken at the St. Louis Cathedral Museum in New Orleans.

This is little Duffy. "The Cutest Lil Pup Face"

This is my husband and Wookie (our 8 year old Schnoodle)
"A Pawfect Love"

This is my husband and myself waiting for a table outside of Acme Oyster house in New Orleans (formerly one of our favorite places to eat when we are in town)

So, I've made a good dent in my Marrakech stash! AND I learned how to spell Marrakech...even if I can't SAY it! LOL!

And the Winner is.....

2009-07-01T19:46:00.001-07:00

My first time to use random.org's number generator! It generated #3

KarenSue said...
that is kind of you...I often double order stuff, also. Luckily, my sis, ddil and dd do a li'l scrapping..so I give my extras to them.
June 29, 2009 7:13 PM

Congratulations KarenSue! Please email me to claim your prize! :)

Corn Cooking Crazy

2009-07-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

I love fresh vegetables in the summer. Have I mentioned that already? Last night, we had fried squash and corn on the cob for supper. Who needs meat?

My mother in law taught us a simple and quick way to cook fresh corn on the cob. You place the ears in the microwave (I suggest no more than two at a time) left completely in their husks. Run the microwave for 2 minutes per ear of corn.

Remove the corn, and shuck. The husks and silks will come off very easily after microwaving.

If you try this, let me know. We love it this way, and have been enjoying LOTS of fresh corn!

Happy Hump Day!

The Things I KNOW (and did today)

2009-06-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

I know the difference between a BLOG and FACEBOOK.

I know how to READ word for word (and not skim something and THINK it says something else...how stupid would you feel if you threatened someone and didn't even have your info straight?)

I know how to call my cell service provider and get a phone number blocked.

I know how to print text messages out.

I know how to file a police report first thing on a Tuesday morning (the PD was SO nice and helpful, by the way) thus proving that....

I know I don't take threats lightly.

I know how to laugh at the stupidity of others.

I know how to let things roll off my back.

I know that some people never change.

I know that my life is not so pointless that I need google some one's name just to stalk them online. Pathetic.

So, guys, what do you know (and did you use any of that knowledge today)? :)

Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Give Away!!!

2009-06-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

***Attention Scrapbookers and Crafters***

This is my FIRST blog giveaway!! YAY! My loss will be YOUR gain! I mistakingly ordered two sets of Cosmo Cricket's new release, Early Bird so I'm giving one lucky winner the collection!

All you have to do is subscribe to my blog, and leave a comment on either this entry or Back to the Beach or Back to the Beach part 2.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday at 6pm CST, so keep checking back!

Good luck!

Back to the Beach Part 2

2009-06-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Once again, we stopped at Burris Farm Market on the way home. We love this place. It just makes us HAPPY.

We brought back THREE bushels of corn that Bobby will be bagging up and giving away again. We also sauntered into the bakery to check out the goodies. We were NOT disappointed.

Has anyone grown any garden goodies this year? Have a favorite farmer's market? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave you comments!

Back to the Beach

2009-06-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

We took off Friday evening and headed back to Gulf Shores. Although it was a short trip, it was a lot of fun to get away.

We spent Saturday on the beach (my favorite place). I read, listened to my ipod, and took naps. I think I could make this my new career!

Poor Bobby! Sunblock, aloha shirt, cap, and minimal time in the sun, did NOT keep him from tuning a nice shade of pink. He just cannot tan!

Father's Day

2009-06-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jay and Marylin asked me if I would take photos of Macey every two months. I GLADLY said YES!!! First of all, photography is my hobby. I am by NO means a pro, but I'm a definite "wannabe." :)

Taking pics of Macey would give me much needed opportunity to practice. After this photo shoot, I have been inspired to do a few things:

1. read my blooming manual for my camera!
2. read the Scott Kelby book on digital photography
3. figure out how to use my external flash
4. install and learn Photo shop Elements 6

I think, overall, the pics turned out ok. Definitely got some cute ones that were so appropriate for Father's Day. Let me tell you, this daddy is proud of his little girl!

The Livingstons were once a beautiful couple....now, they are a beautiful family...and that just makes me smile.

Burris Farm Market

2009-06-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

You know what I love best about this blog post? Im using my DSLR for these pictures!! I was too scared to get it out much on the beach, so I used my point and shoot, and boy can I tell the difference in the quality!

Bobby's favorite part of the trip was Burris Farm Market. They had everything! He bought corn for his buddies and made a trip that afternoon anonymously delivering it.

Nothing says "summertime" like fresh produce. We WILL be going back here to stock up again!

part 4

2009-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Also on a friend's suggestion, we went to Lulu's. Lulu is Lucy, sister of the famed Jimmy Buffet. This place was lots of fun. All open air with great music and the best key lime pie I've ever had!

Yes, I convinced Bobby to put his "butt" there. :)

part 3

2009-06-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Friends of ours suggested we go to Tacky Jacks. We did. Although they have a massive pancake, we were not terribly impressed by the dining experience. First of all, every seat there is a bar stool...a very TALL bar stool. When you are BARELY 5 ft 3 inches like myself, tall barstools are NOT comfortable!

Oh and we found evidence of Big Foot...apparently Columbia's not the only town with a Big Foot! :)

part 2

2009-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

The sun is SO NOT Bobby's friend. He stayed in the shade, covered in sunblock, and with a shirt on. My fair skinned hubby.

We found a retaurant that we LOVED...Gulf Shores Steamer. There is nothing fried on the menu. We had yummy mussels, ruby red shrimp, and crab legs.

So behind on my blogging! part 1

2009-06-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of weeks ago, Bobby and I took a weekend trip to Gulf Shores, AL. The sand, the sun, and the ocean....ahhhh!

We were able to get a room on the beach, and we rented those comfy chairs and umbrellas for the weekend. That comfy chair is where I promptly parked my behined and stayed for two days :) The sun is my friend!

Back in the Scrap Room

2009-06-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I didn't go to the pool until after 6pm today! I'm certainly not going to lie and make you think I was extremely productive or anything. I'm actually not sure how I wasted the day....but I wasted it!

I did get in the scraproom and do a little organizing. I was inspired to to a couple of layouts and make a few cards.

The cards came in a Basic Grey kit, and I must say that I was not impressed with the rub-ons. They were hardly usable. I managed and got all of the cards completed. They turned out cute. I have more of these kits, so I hope that the rub-on thing was a fluke with just this one kit.

This evening, when Bobby got home, we went to the pool with his parents. We all played frisbee! What a blast!

I am beyond thrilled to say that we are leaving for the beach early Friday morning! We rented a condo for the weekend, and I plan to keep my toes in the sand for the entire weekend!

Good Times!

2009-06-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just a little video clip from Friday night. Enjoy!

And They Call it Puppy Love

2009-06-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was able to get some cute photographs of Wookie and Duffy yesterday. Wookie is Duffy's "older woman", being a mature 8.5 years old to his youthful 2.5 years. Yep, she's a cougar!

Duffy has always had a "thing" for Wookie. He LOVES her ears and can't stop licking them and sniffing them. They are adorable together.

Wookie is still young enough to want to play with Duffy, but when she's tired she's ready to NAP. This Duffy just doesn't understand. He still has all of his puppy energy. It takes Wookie nearly a full day to recover from playtime with Duffy!

I guess these two are proof that love knows no boundaries, and age is nothing but a number! Sweet puppy love!

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

2009-05-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a GOOD DAY. Bobby and I decided to go swimming, but thought we'd see how the girls liked the pool. As long as I've had Jewel, (8 years...she was 3 when I adopted her) I've never seen her swim. She does, however, LOVE LOVE LOVE playing under the waterhose! We thought she would LOVE the pool.

Um, wrong! She is NOT a graceful swimmer at all! Bobby took her in the shallow end and she KERPLUNKED her way back to the steps. It sounded the way you'd imagine a sumo wrestler to sound when he swims. Poor Jew Jew Beans!

Ok, one pup down, one to go.

When Wookie was a tiny pup (less than 3 months) I took her for a walk at the county lake (back in GA). For some reason unknown to anyone but that Noodle, she jumped into the lake when we got to the edge. She was the cutest little puppy and swam a perfect little mini circle right back out. She has hated water since! She is too much of a "pretty girl."

So, you can understand why I had my doubts about Wookie and the pool getting along famously. She clutched Bobby and put her sweet little head on his shoulder as if to say, "Please, daddy, don't do this."

He let her go in the shallow end, and she did a perfect little doggie paddle to the steps. Much like me, she does her best to swim without getting her hair wet. Soooo precious!

So, yes, I tortured my pups for the sake of photography. These will make cute scrapbook pages, so it was totally worth it! And besides, the girls got treats for their brave efforts!

Finally, it was OUR swim time! We stayed in the pool ALL day! What a blast! PopBob and Grammy joined us for the afternoon. Bobby made drinks for us, and we ended the day at The Backdoor.

I am LOVING summer vacation! I hope August is an eternity away!

2009-05-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

I attended the funeral service of a young woman who is the sister of a dear friend of ours. She was a beautiful Christian girl. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but my husband grew up with her and her brother and his memories are fond.

I am heavy hearted today. Even though we know she is with the Lord this very moment, it's hard sometimes to find the joy when a young person passes.

You just don't realize how much you love someone until you see them hurting either physically or emotionally. It's difficult to want so badly to somehow just wipe it away for them and make it like it never happened. We certainly wish we could do that for our friend and his family today.

We know that God is good all the time. He knows our every need. It's so easy to forget that when times are dark, but praise God-His word is true even in the darkest moments. ESPECIALLY in the darkest moments.

We will certainly be praying for this family in the many days, weeks, and months ahead. Those are surely to be the most difficult.

I am so proud of this little community...my little "New Some Place." They don't hesitate to turn out by the hundreds when one of their own is in need. It really is a family.

I couldn't help but thinking today, as I stood just two feet from that tent, two of my family members on my right, and two of my close friends on my left: this will be me some day. This will be ALL of us some day.

Just as certain as we all took a first breath, we will take a last. I am so thankful that Jesus saw fit to pay the price for my unworthy soul. I am so thankful that my home is not this world, and that the best part of my existance is yet to come!

One of my favorite songs was sung at the service today. It's the Chris Tomlin version of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). I think I will close my post for today with the lyrics of that song.

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Around Town

2009-05-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to quickly share a few pictures I took for a challenge called Around Town. Due to the non stop rain, I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, and didn't get them posted to the challenge in time. These were my favorites, and they are all of the courthouse.

Again, the weather was yucky this day, but oh well. What can you do?

I'm really working on keeping the camera with me all the time and trying to see photos from perspectives I wouldn't normally.

I will be entering several photos in the MS Wildlife Extravaganza again this year. I'm certainly not expecting anything, but I've challenged myself to submit SOMETHING each year. I'm sticking to it! :)

That's it for now...just a quick blog update!

Go Fish!

2009-05-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty dull weekend around these parts for ME, but the hubs had some fun with his buddy, Jay! The guys left Friday night for Shell Beach, Louisiana for some fishing with the Fishing Magician charters. Bobby and I went for his birthday last month, and had scheduled this trip within days of returning home. However, since the battle with the stones, I decided I'd best not take this trip. Lucky for Jay! He gladly took my place and lovingly told me I could get sick anytime. :) What a pal! They caught their limit of speckled trout and had a great time.

I'm still not convinced that Emily wouldn't love it if she was catching fish every time the bait hit the water! :) Maybe one day we can convince her to give it a try. To make it a fair trade, I will garden with her one Saturday morning...bleh.

This was my first time in the new house alone for a night, and it was weird. I never knew our house made so many noises that sounded JUST like a raging lunatic burglar doing his best to enter! Thankfully, I had my vicious fluffy girls to protect me! Yeah right! I'm sure they'd gladly hand me over to the lunatic burglar in exchange for a belly rub!

Tonight, Bobby took the trout out of the fridge and cooked some up for me and his mom. It was very good. I think I will permit him to go again VERY soon! :)

If you're ever down Louisiana way look up the Fishing Magician. Johnny Nunez is awesome, and you can tell him we sent you! http://www.rodnreel.com/fishingmagician/

Out of (automatic) Focus

2009-05-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm working on my photogaphy skills. My challenge this week is flowers (thanks twopeasinabucket.com). The idea is to get as close as you can to the flower and lower the aperature as low as possible and still have the flower in focus. It allows the background to be blurred. I think it looks amazing compared to automatic focus.

These are the shots I got today. Im going to keep working on this throughout the week and will post my best.

It's Over!!!

2009-05-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I totally had myself worked up over something that ended up not being *that* bad. Don't get me wrong, I woke up in A LOT of pain, but it's managable with the meds. I'm very sore...think having a horse kick you in the kidney. It even hurts to breathe, but it's OVER!!

My mother in law took me in for the procedure around noon today. She was great. When I woke up in recovery, the first thing I asked was if they could go get her. They wouldn't, of course, but told me that they would be taking me to her very shortly.

Isn't it weird how HEAVY your limbs feel after anethesia? God, I DO love an anethesiologist though. I *heart* they way they make you feel NO pain!

When I got home, my sweet husband had flowers and balloons for me. He even had the couch set up for me: remote controls, laptop, heating pad, drinks...he is so thoughtful!

My furry children new something was wrong. Especially Jewel. She would not stay off of me. She is a sensitive girl and knows when someone is upset or feels bad. Wookie, however, is NOT liking that she's not the center of attention right now. And she really doesn't like that my "sick" table is in her way. *sigh* drama queen!

Here's a little slide show of some pics that Bobby took today. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Like all holidays, Mother's Day is a little bittersweet for me. We need to remember that it isn't all warm and fuzzy for everyone, and not everyone can appreciate their mothers. However, we can all forgive, and I've learned that by forgiving, I am honoring my mother in the best way that I can.

To those who can relate I'd like to say: FORGIVE. Pray without ceasing until you are able to forgive, because carrying unforgiveness will eat you alive from the inside out, AND learn to appreciate the mature women in your life that love and mother you (or others) that they did not birth. They are out there. You know the type...the women that could mother a rock, because they are THAT good at it. Seek them and pray for God to send them into your life.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful mother in law (I hate attaching "in law"). She has loved me more in the past three years than I ever believed possible. I thank God for her. She is amazing.

Enjoy the photos!

Using Up My Stash (well, trying anyway)

2009-05-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have so much scrapbooking stuff, that if I didn't buy ONE thing from now until this day NEXT year, I'd still have plenty!! So, today, I grabbed some older stuff. I made these two layouts using some older Cherry Arte papers and rubons. I even whipped out those metal embellishments from (literally) the first few months I started scrapping oh....EIGHT years ago! It may not be magazine worthy, but I'm proud for workin' the old stuff!

I'm such a product snob, that I feel as though I have to have the newest of the new the INSTANT it's available (I prefer to preorder new releases). Doing this obviously keeps me excited about the new, and I forget about the old. Trust me, the "old" is just a few months old. I can't scrap as fast as I buy, but I love trying! So, just two layouts for today. Hopefully a couple more tomorrow!

Getting Ready to Get it Over With!

2009-05-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

I've read another book! That makes 12, so far, for 2009. I had originally set a goal of 100 books for this year, but I see now that is totally unrealistic! Maybe I will shoot for 50.

Firefly Lane is a quick read. It's about friendships, and childhood, and growing up. It's about learning how to love and losing love. It's full of emotion and is probably one of the best "chick" books I've read. I tend to steer clear of these types, but this one is different. It has some depth to it, and I will admit, my husband was concerned when I cried (ok, openly wept) while reading this book. It was touching. I recommend it!

I had my pre-op today for the lithotripsy on Monday. I'm scared out of my mind, and SO ready for it to be over with!! I think I was having flashbacks to my foot surgery while at the hospital today. I was nearly in full blown panic mode. I SO started to just walk out!

Bobby won't be able to go with me on Monday, but that's ok! My sweet mother in law will be with me, and she likes to baby! That's taking some getting used to from me. I don't think I've EVER really been "babied" in my entire life.

We are looking forward to Mother's Day on Sunday! My mother in law, father in law, and grandmother in law will join us for brunch after church. We are in the final stages of menu planning, and I have been SMART this year! I've managed a full menu of things that can be prepared ahead (mostly). I usually spend all day in the kitchen to prepare dinner, but not this year! I'm working on being more relaxed. I am excited to spend time with these two wonderful mothers...oh and presents! Presents are ALWAYS good!! :)

Well, that's all for now. I hope to spend some time scrapbooking tomorrow. I will post new layouts before the weekend is over! Have a great weekend!

More Scrappy Goodness

2009-05-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

These are a few layouts I've done in the past week or so. I've really been inspired by the challenges at twopeasinabucket.com If you've never checked out the site, you should! Great online shopping, message boards, challenges, contests, gallery, and more. If you're scrappy, you're sure to be inspired!

That's it for now! More later ;)

2009-05-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, lets talk books. I've been reading up a storm lately and just finished Jodi Picoult's newest, Handle with Care. It's about a couple who has a child born with OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) which is basically known as Brittle Bone disease. Picoult keeps true to her well known style of writing and includes a twist ending. Her books always leave me feeling like someone just knocked the wind out it me, and it takes a few days to recover from her books. Although I always know it's coming, I'm never prepared. If you haven't read this one, pick it up. I recommend it.

I'm currently reading Firefly Lane. So far, it's pretty good. I feel like the character development is moving a little too fast to be realistic, but I will see where it goes.

These are some of the layouts I have completed recently. Just thought I'd share a few. I've got some new product to work with, and that's always fun! I've really been inspired to scrapbook by challenges on different scrappy websites. It's helped me to come out of my comfort zone by participating in these challenges. Enjoy!

Still no stone. :( Going to see a urologist tomorrow. Hopefully he/she can get this thing out of me!

Strawberries=Summer time!

2009-05-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

You know summer is here when fresh produce abounds. Here's some snapshots of the beautiful Louisiana strawberries we bought last weekend. I love to go ahead and wash them, cut the caps, and bag them up-that way, we can grab a handful every time we pass the fridge! YUM!

Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day! Happy NSD to all those scrappers! I hope to be alone in my scrapbook room for the entire day!

Still no stone yet :( but not much pain today either, so thats a good thing! Happy weekend!

Sticks and Stones

2009-04-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

I knew it was coming...the dreaded kidney stone. I could feel it Sunday and a little on Monday. By the time I reached Baton Rouge Monday evening, I knew I was in trouble. I writhed and sweated all night. Nothing would ease the pain. By 6am Tuesday morning, I wanted to be HOME.

BIG MISTAKE! What should have taken 2.5 hours to drive home, took almost four hours! I stopped 12 times on the side of the road and was sick. It was horrible. We went straight to the emergency room for IV fluids, pain meds, and an CT scan. I have multiple stones in each kidney, and one in my right is trying to find its way to freedom.

Ahhh, but freedom comes at a price. OUCH. So, I've been lying on the heating pad, watching tv and surfing the web. Hopefully it will be over soon.

In the meantime, anyone have any good websites to share? I've reached the end of the internet!

Making Friends in a New Some Place

2009-04-23T19:58:00.001-07:00

I've been a transplant in MS for almost two years now. I can honestly say that it hasn't been easy living in an unfamiliar place and having to start over with new friends. I've noticed something about this area: it's really hard in infiltrate the groups of friends that were born in the days of playgrounds and/or sippy cups. Lifelong friendships have strong bonds, and they don't readily or easily welcome an outsider.

I'm not saying that people here are unfriendly. Where I'm from, we were the same way. You just get comfortable with the people you've known your whole life in the town you grew up in, and that often makes you unaware that there is a newbie out there who might be a good fit in your life. You just don't think about it when your life is full up with your BFFs, but you sure think about it when you're the newbie.

I believe God took me out of my comfort zone for many reasons. Most involve my family (that's another blog for another day). However, I've had my eyes opened and my perspectives changed on the kinds of friendships I want and need at this stage in my life. God has never really shown me things without allowing me to feel a little pain (ok, most of the time A LOT of pain). I've been brought to tears and near blinding rage with a couple of (what I thought were) friendships I have developed in the short time I've been here. I am thankful for those experiences though, because without them, I'd still be seeking the wrong thing for my life. God knows me better than anyone, and He knows I have to learn the hard way. I'm just thankful that my best interest is always in His plan for my life.

I say all of that to come to this point: Just recently, in the past 6-8 months I've started developing friendships that feel solid. Don't get me wrong, they still feel unfamiliar and clumsy and I still feel so self conscious at times, but I feel that they are RIGHT. One thing I started doing back all those months ago, was praying for God to put in my path godly, Christian women who would build me up and edify me. Women who were the friends He had chosen for me. I believe I've been introduced to one or two of those women.

It's hard not having someone here who I feel like I can and tell the silly things to. It's hard not having someone here who knows what I'm going to say, or what the sound of my voice means, or who would answer my call on the first ring in the middle of the night if I needed her. But, I believe, as I lay my roots down in my new some place, that will happen for me again. I trust Him.

Two Days Off

2009-04-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

So, as I finished getting ready for work Monday morning, I walked into the bedroom to tell the husband goodbye and to grab my cell and kindle and a sudden sharp pain shot through my chest. It happened when I inhaled, and was on my left side up high by my heart. I wasn't too concerned, because I've had chest pains before. I saw a cardiologist back 5-6 years ago, and he found nothing wrong with my heart. He just chalked it up to stress.

Bobby noticed when I caught my breath and asked me what was wrong. I told him my chest had just started hurting. Again, he was not concerned. This has happened off and on since he's known me.

Anyway, off to school I go. Generally, these pains last only a couple of hours. ALL DAY my chest HURT. I teach, and its hard to to teach without breathing...fyi. When I got home, I was so wiped out from hurting all day, that I lied down on the couch and slept until 8:30. It was impossible to lie on my left side because of the pain.

When I woke up Tuesday morning I was still in a lot of pain. Bobby insisted that I go to the ER since the pain had been constant for over 24 hours. So, off we go. Two and a half hours later, after an EKG and chest x-ray I was told what I already knew: my heart is fine. *sigh* I was diagnosed with costochondritis. Here's what the Mayo Clinic says about it:

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costosternal joint — where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage. Pain caused by costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.

Most cases of costochondritis have no apparent cause. In these cases, treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for costochondritis to resolve on its own.

The ER doc also mention pleurisy. I was familiar with both of these terms. This gal is dangerous with google!

Here's what WebMd says about pleurisy:

Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful. Sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion, where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.

Basically, I have an infection in the cartilage/bones in my chest. Nice to know finally what causes my chest pain. I was given two shots. One was toradol and one was prednisone (one for each hip). I have NEVER reacted to a shot before. However, this time, I started getting really hot and tingly. I lost my peripheral vision and it sounded like everyone was far away and that I had cotton stuffed in my ears. They made me lie down until I felt better. My blood pressure had shot up, and I came very close to fainting. How embarrassing!!

Anyway, I've been taking Motrin 600mg and Ultram since I got home. Although it has really sucked being in so much pain, I did get two days off of work with a doctor's excuse! That's always nice. :)

Ok, on to more important things...like American Idol! What I don't get is that they make it SO obvious that they are lip syncing, yet they still wear the headphones. *eye roll*

I figured Lil would be in the bottom three, but I really didn't think she'd be the one to go. I figured she'd make it until next week. I must say though, she is a classy chick. What a last performance! Lil will definitely be a star if she wants it!

***brief intermission while washed up 70s singers perform***

Ok, disco is clearly dead. No doubt about that.

Not a surprise that Anoop is in the bottom three, but WHAT THE HECK?!?! ALLISON?!?!? I swear, sometimes I think this is rigged. No way she deserved to be in the bottom three! She'd better not go before Matt does! That would be WRONG!

Bye bye Anoop! Now, maybe you can find your razor and shave.

Ok, that's all for now! Got lots to do before bed!

Ridin' the disco train out!

Mandie

The Very First Blog Posting!

2009-04-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Blogging is something I've always wanted to do. However, technology is a little intimidating to me. I'm all about personal growth, so I'm trying to overcome my fear! Hopefully, over the next few weeks (and definitely during the summer when I have my life back) I can cutesy this thing up a bit. For now, I will deal with the template.

Since it's late, and my meds are kicking in (I'll explain that in a later post) the only thing I want to add to my blog tonight is my thoughts on American Idol. Here goes:

I think they've got it out for Lil, she did MUCH better tonight! Sometimes, I truly think the judges get together and predetermine who they want voted off. There's a lot of power in their comments each week. You can tell by the way America votes.

Kris has turned out to be a dark horse in this competition! He is so sweet, and he has an amazing voice. His ability to transform a song that I hate into one I can tolerate amazes me. He reminds me of David Cook in that aspect. The husband and I were chatting tonight about how much we hope his marriage can survive his fame. They are so young (isn't his wife adorable?!?!), and I'm just wondering how much the wife enjoys the little girls squealing over her husband. That would get OLD. FAST.

Danny ROCKS, and I love his voice. However, I don't think I'd tell him (or any man) on television that I thought his voice was "sexy." Paula is such a COUGER!!

Allison is AMAZING!!! She could possibly be the next Stevie Nicks or Pat Benatar. I can seriously imagine my children at my age knowing who she is (as I know who Stevie and Pat are). She has the talent and potential to leave her mark on the music industry for sure! I am astounded that she is only 16 years old!

Adam...the next American Idol. What else can I say? He doesnt even need to be on the same stage as the other contestants. Get a record deal already, and go make millions!

Matt couldnt have performed a better 70s song, but could have performed the song BETTER. He was trying too hard. I think Simon was right. He sounded "desperate." And with good reason. He has been in the bottom 3, what? two? three times? Tick tock, Matt. Tick tock.

Finally, Anoop...sweet, cute, lovable Anoop. What's up with the scruff on your chinny chin chin and the pink clothing?!?! No. Just No. Keep your bags packed, Anoop, you're a goner. I think my dogs even cringed at that last note.

Anyway, I'm voting for Lil this week, only because she doesn't deserve to go home BEFORE Anoop does.

You could flip a coin between Lil and Matt, though, because it's a toss up on which to toss out.

Can't wait to see which two go home tomorrow night! I bottom three: Anoop, Matt, and Lil ...looks familiar, huh?

My vote on who goes home....Anoop and Matt. The husband says Anoop and Lil.

Please leave your comments! I'd love to hear your AI thoughts!