A peek at our Christmas

Here is a little peek at our Christmas holiday. We had Christmas with my family on the 19th, because my parents were going out of town. It is always so fun with all of the children. I love to see them open their gifts and they are so grateful for anything they receive. My dad did a lot of baking and I took Rice Krispy treats and sausage balls. We all haven't gotten together for so long. It was great to play with the kids and just hang out. Everyone is so excited about Baby Mack. I think all the kids want it to be a boy, since we only have two boys and there are six girls.

Christmas Eve we had Christmas with B's immediate family. We always have a good time laughing and joking! His mom made this great pie with pecans and coconut and some other yummy stuff. Baby Mack got the sweetest gift from Gimme and Papa John (that is what they are going to be called). It is a bedtime prayer bear. You can hold it's hands and it will pray or put its hands together to pray...so sweet.

Christmas Day Brett and I opened gifts after his big hunting adventure! We tried to keep our selves on a strict budget this year and I think we did pretty good. Each of us got lots of thoughtful gifts. I especially like my new phone...yippee...the Razor wasn't staying charged anymore. That afternoon we headed to the Mack family Christmas hosted by B's mother this year. I helped cook a little and just whatever she needed me to do. We had fun with all of the family and the food was delicious!

Friday night I headed to Prattville to exchange gifts with some friends. We decided to draw names this year, which I think worked out great. We all brought a dish and enjoyed catching up. I got some great maternity clothes. Thanks Michelle, you did an awesome job. I love them. It was hosted at Leslie's new house. What a beautiful place!

Saturday was the Whaley family Christmas hosted by Brett's Mawmaw. It was great to see everyone and enjoy everyone's yummy recipes. I know I am new to the family, but it was almost bittersweet because of the trials that have hit this side of the family this year. B and I make sure to thank the Lord for all his many blessings and for being our Savior. We also pray for his healing hands to bring comfort to our family members and for them to know that he will never give them something that they can't endure. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and even if it wasn't your best, make sure to thank him for all the little blessings each day.

For our neices

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

This is for our sweet nieces. They asked for it when we were at my mom and dad's for Christmas. Sorry it's a little late girls. I hope you enjoy!

We've been elfed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

All I can say is I was laughing until I was crying! I especially love the one with Brett's parents. I hope they don't kill me for this! Merry Christmas! Oh yeah, the two at the top look the same, but they are not...enjoy at our expense :)

Getting settled...

After returning from Mobile on Monday afternoon, we have been trying to get back into somewhat of a routine. It's been really hard though with all of the extra activities. I had a my last final for the semester on Tuesday. I am really proud of my accomplishments since I have returned to school. My Troy GPA is 3.226. I am trying to make up for my slacking at AUM. This semester I made 2 As, 2 Bs and a C. The C was a 79...boo...that makes me mad that I missed a B by one point! Brett and I have also been working on his display board for the national competition. It was due yesterday and we got it turned in just in time. The pictures are a few that we submitted for the poster. We also had our 12 week doctor's appointment this week. Dr. G started with the Doppler. The heartbeat wasn't easily detectable. He asked if I had any bleeding...no...then of course all the horrible thoughts are running threw my head. Then, there it was...the amazing little heartbeat. It was 170 beats per minute...wow! It was a very quick visit. Next time I will have blood work and the following time we will find out the sex of our precious little child. From what we have calculated, it should be February 5th. Last night we had our Sunday school Christmas party. I think just about everyone was there, which is about 30-40 people. It was so good to catch up with everyone. We see each other every week but it's hard to be able to talk to everyone. I am so thankful B and I chose First Baptist. We have truly found a church home full of love. Today I am off to the Capital City for a Christmas Brunch with the ZTA Alumnae Group. I am very excited to be able to see all my friends and do a little shopping afterward. This should wrap up our Christmas shopping, yipee! I really don't think I have ever been done this early...not that it's early.

Young Farmer's Discussion Meet

Over the weekend we attended the Alabama Farmer's Federation Annual Meeting in Mobile. Saturday night we attended the General Session which included a talent find. It was great to see so many talented young people. B participated in the Young Farmer's Discussion Meet on Sunday afternoon. We practiced and practiced his opening and closing statements. I got so nervous sitting in the audience and just as before I sat near the back. All of the competitors did a great job. I was happy to see the President of Alfa, Mr. Jerry Newby, talking to B after the meet...that had to mean something!!! He did a wonderful job and I was proud because he did his best! We went out to dinner with our local chapter that night to Wintzell's. We rode with our county president, Russell and his lovely family. We had a great time getting to know them and their precious girls. His wife, Kristin, is pregnant also. I loved being able to trade pregnancy stories with her.

The awards ceremony was Monday morning. The Young Farmer awards were near the end of the hour and a half presentation. Being the pregnant woman that I am, I had to use the restroom...but I couldn't get up. I would have just hated it if I missed their awards. This time I sat near the front. They brought all four competitors out and placed them in order by height (guess for the photos) and then announced the first runner up. I got a little confused, I didn't know they had a runner up. Then, Brandon (the coordinator for the meet) was holding the winner's plaque. I tried and tried to read the name on it while he was holding it. It looked too long to be B's name. Then again it looked to long to be the other competitor's names too. Then they announced the winner....B Mack!! I was so thrilled, I said YAY! outloud and clapped and forgot all about pictures! So now B will compete in the National Competition in San Antonio, Texas. I am so proud of him. We're back to the grindstone studying each of the four topics. I know B will do his best, because he always takes great pride in anything he does. We are also excited to visit San Antonio. I have never been. While we're there, we're going to visit a feed operation with over 16,000 head of cattle. It's going to be a fun trip! We have our 12 week visit on Thursday, so I am sure I will have some news to share then! Oh yeah, and that name I was trying to read said Young Farmer...ha ha.

11 weeks

Yesterday was my 11 week mark. I felt a lot better yesterday. I actually cooked dinner, something I haven't done in several weeks, maybe even a month. It was very hard for me to open the refrigerator because the smell made me sick. I couldn't stand the smells of food when I cooked or washed dishes. B has been my life saver these last few weeks. He has taken over kitchen duties, laundry and any thing else that needed to be done around here. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. I was talking to my sister on the phone yesterday and she was cooking greens. So of course, I then craved collard greens. Glory has fresh greens in a bag in the produce section. I have a friend named Renaye whose mom owns a soul food restaurant. She would bring me a lunch plate to work sometimes and her mom made these awesome greens with jalapenos and sugar...sounds nasty, tastes delicious. So I got online to find a recipe, it was my first time making homemade greens. Usually, I'll buy the Glory canned collards. My greens were so good...I hate to brag, but they were good!! B said I had his mom beat...but don't tell her that :) (Mrs. Donna if your reading, we decided they weren't necessarily better, just a totally different flavor). So anyway, hopefully this new found energy and loss of sickness will remain. I have finish shopping today for our Christmas Angel. I am very excited about this! I am volunteering with several other Junior Woman's Club members handing out the gifts. Maybe I will get to see the sweet girl who gets our gifts. That would make my heart so happy!

Above is a belly shot at 11 weeks...not much of a change. Oh yeah, and that is the same sweatshirt...Wednesdays are school days...what do you expect? B and I both think my booty is getting smaller and moving around to baby. I never thought I would see the day my booty got smaller, it's hereditary and I've had the bubble since toddlerhood.

Time flying by...

I can't believe another week has passed without a post! We spent three great days with my Memaw and Papaw in Kentucky and stopped in Nashville to spend the night with B's aunt. We had a great trip (thanks in part to heated leather seats)! I did get my Cabbage Patch doll back! I'll have to find her, B has been doing some major house cleaning, so I'm not quite sure where she is now. I'll have to dedicate a whole post to that bag. We got our first baby gift from my Memaw. It was labeled to Little Mr. or Miss Mack...how cute! She got the baby a supply of bottles and hangers. We got home just in time to watch the Iron Bowl. I actually fell asleep. There was absolutely no excitement! I'm not a Bama fan, but I do hope they whoop Florida this weekend. Monday night we went to the Farmer's Federation Christmas Dinner. This was the first time my schedule allowed me to go. I was so glad, because they recognized B for his accomplishments at the debate and for his state debate this weekend. We enjoy a delicious dinner of steak and potatoes and one of my absolute favorite things...Dean's Cake. I have been wanting it, but hate to buy a whole cake or even half a cake, because I would eat the whole thing. These delicious cakes are made fresh daily in our hometown and are sold all over Alabama. If you haven't tried it...it's well worth it. My favorite is the Caramel Cake...delicious! Also, Kristin Wiggins, of the Women's Committe made these adorable monogram ornaments with corn, peanuts and cotton inside...how creative!

Click here to find out where to buy Dean's Cakes in your area.

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Kid Sister and me!!

We are headed to my grandparents this week in Kentucky for Thanksgiving. I am so excited to see my extended family, because I only get to see them about once per year. My Memaw has been doing a little house cleaning in order for them to move in a new place soon. While cleaning, she found a sack full of my old toys. I had the brown haired Kid Sister and a red haired Cabbage Patch. I really, really hope my Kid Sister and Cabbage Patch Doll, Agatha that's the name on her adoption papers, are in the bag! Those were the good ol' days! What were some of your favorite toys?

A little bit of catching up...

The time has just flown by this week. I can't believe it's already Thursday. I am gearing up for finals at school and Brett is just working away!
Saturday night we got to celebrate our one year anniversary at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. We saw A Christmas Carol:The Musical. What a wonderful production! There were lots of set and costume changes and the show went on without a hit. I think it amazing the way it is all orchestrated...complete with a live orchestra! We also had dinner at one of our favorite little spots, Sommer's Place. It was a wonderful evening. Sunday afternoon I went to Babies 'R Us with my MIL. It was like baby wonderland! It was fun to look at all the baby items and get ideas for our registry. Monday was our official anniversary. We celebrated with lots of crab legs and cake. I wasn't sure how the cake would taste being in the freezer for a year, but it was delicious! Thank you Sugar Rush for making an awesome cake! Yesterday was my nine week mark. B and I decided to start taking pictures this week to fill out my Belly Book. So far, I have only had to hang up one pair of jeans. I haven't gained any weight, actually I've lost a few pounds, but I think my weight is just shifting!

PSI Bands

Psi Bands (pronounced "sigh") may be my life saver. I got rid of the migraine yesterday and was feeling pretty good until dinner time, sick once again! I got sick about 4:00 and thought it might have been a one time deal. B came home with my requested Little Caesar's breadsticks, but I got sick right after he came in the door :( He called one of our friends who has also been very sick with her pregnancy. She gave him lots of recommendations, so he left on a mission. He came back later with Saltines, oatmeal, lemon drops and PSI Bands. I probably looked all crazy at him when he tried to put them on me. The look kind of like a back in the day Swatch Watch. They are bands with a dial that use accupressure to control nausea. I did not think this little was going to do a thing for me...I was totally proven wrong. So far, these things have worked. I ate breakfast and have much more energy today. These also work for people who have motion sickness and for chemotherapy patients. I have the cool red striped ones and I have to wear one on each arm. I don't care how much of a dork I look like, if I can continue to feel good, I'll wear them for the next seven months. They are waterproof and can be worn for up to 48 hours at a time. Can you tell I'm excited? We have plans to go to dinner and to A Christmas Carol:The Musical at the Shakespeare Festival tonight and I want to go!! We have great, second row seats!

Migraine, Migraine go away!

After sharing the joyous news, I got sick as a dog! There is no such thing as morning sickness in my case...it's ALL day and night. Dr. G prescribed Ginger capsules and Vitamin B6 three times per day...no help! I couldn't keep a thing down on Wednesday. Yesterday at lunch, I finally felt better all except for this dang migraine. I have had it since Wednesday. I have suffered from many migraines, but usually a little ibuprofen, an ice pack and a dark room or nap do the trick. I can't take ibuprofen...only Tylenol...which is basically a waste. Tylenol has never helped any sort of headache for me. If this would pass, I think I would feel great. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it! We have big plans for our anniversary on Saturday, I hope I feel good. I have been looking forward to this night for a while.

C Mack

My birthday was on Labor Day this year. We spent the weekend at my parents house. My grandparents were in town. I shared a birthday cake with my sister Becky, whose birthday is 08/23 and my niece, Jessi, whose birthday is 09/09. It was a great day! I remember my niece, Nicole saying, when you and Uncle Brett have a baby it's name should start with a "C", so you can be ABC Mack. She also said that she didn't want me to have a baby, because she wouldn't be my baby anymore.

C Mack is on the way! We found out two weeks ago that we are pregnant with our first child. C, which is for child as of now, is due on June 24th. We had a wonderful doctor's appointment! We didn't expect to have an ultrasound, but Dr. G sent us in for one. We saw C's heart beating away! What a joyous moment! It was truly amazing. We have pictures and as soon as I can get them scanned, I'll post them.

Nicole, my little namesake, if you happen to be reading this with Mom, don't worry...you'll always be my first baby!

Mealtime Makeover

About two months ago B called me early one morning while traveling for work and said, "Write this down...mealtimemakeover.com". Huh? I was confused. It was National Eat Dinner with Your Family Day. He was listening to Rick and Bubba and heard about this meal planning program. We joined later that week. It has made dinner and trips to the grocery store so pleasant. We pay $5.00 per month and receive a shopping list and recipes once per week. Right now, we are doing the points program for two. There are some really good recipes with the program. I love the fact that it incorporates all of the food groups. The program for two promises that our total bill will not be over $45.00 per week (that is for 5 dinners and sometimes dessert).

Every now and then, I still have to cook a little Southern Cuisine. As Paula (Deen that is) says, "Country cookin' makes you good lookin!". You just can't get that from a points system!!

If you'd like to check it out visit or mealtimemakeover.com or e-mealz.com.

The debate is on...

Yesterday B and I traveled to the Capital City. B participated in a debate with the Alabama Farmer's Federation. He and other members of the Young Farmer's debated on issues affecting agriculture today. We practiced his opening statement the night before and on the way to the debate. B did a lot of research for the debate, he even had a quote from Thomas Edison, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work". I sat in the back, so I wouldn't distract him. He did a wonderful job! When the scores were tallied, he was on top! So we're off to Mobile soon for another debate. If he wins that one, he goes to nationals in San Antonio in January! I am so glad that Brett joined Young Farmer's it has given him the opportunity to meet farmers from all types from the Heart of Dixie.

The wait is on...

Hopefully you have been out to the polls to cast your vote or have plans to do so this afternoon. As America waits to see what is in store for our future, I wanted to bring you one of my favorite all time moments from one of the best TV families ever. The Huxtables!! Watch Theo and Rudy get down.

Before you vote

Before you head to the polls tomorrow consider this bit of information from Focus on the Family. We picked up this bulletin at church a few weeks ago and I thought this was a great article. Here is an excerpt.

The question you maybe asking yourself while only you are facing your ballot is...

Q:Isn't the lesser of two evils still evil?

A: There will never be a perfect candidate; we're all sinners. Think of it this way; How much that is good will be protected by candidate A as opposed to candidate B?

B and I weren't thrilled by either candidate when they were nominated. Over the past few months, after hearing all the debates, our decision is perfectly clear. After hearing a candidate forget his religious beliefs and having to be corrected by a reporter, that's all it took. Hopefully you'll get out to vote tomorrow and make an educated choice for you, your family and your values.

No to Barack & Bright

Here is a short clip from the AUM Business Breakfast where Bobby Bright admits that he supports Barack Obama. If you don't recognize the voice asking the question, that is Eileen Jones from WSFA news. If you go to YouTube, you can see more of this event. He then tries to recover by saying he supports John McCain too. Is he a Democrat or a Republican? I don't think he knows, maybe he should have just stuck with Independent. He is now the mayor of Capital City, where I lived before moving to Small Town. Many great things have happened while he has been in office, but does that make up for the crazy tax increases and exploding crime rate? He seems to have that Barack mentality, meaning speaking to hearts of those he is addressing and then changing his views for the next crowd. Just think before you mark the ballot on Tuesday. What do we value in District 2? Is he the best person to represent what we hold dear? B thinks I shouldn't get political with the blog...but I have to stand up for those I Love!

Chili and Sinks

Tonight was my first event with the Small Town Junior Woman's Club. We had a chili supper before the hometown rivalry football game. I came earlier than my "shift" to have dinner with B and his parents. Boy am I glad I did! The late "shift" was put on clean up duty. The event took place at the Small Town High School cafeteria. So my part of the clean up consisted of washing dishes. They were the industrial pans used in the lunchroom on the warmers. Dry, stuck on chili is not a fun thing! That tasted so good going down, but I will not want any for a long while. It about made you gag to clean it out of the pans. We got to use this cool sink in the back. Frufru Hair (a fellow member) and I thought it was so cool, that you had to turn these little levers at the bottom of the sink to let the water out. The smallest things amaze me some times! So Frufru Hair this post is for you...I'm glad you're reading!! By the way...L....you are Frufru Hair...in case you didn't catch on!! But I know you did!!

We're going to Georgia early in the morning to visit some of B's friends. I will pray tonight that they are not having chili. If so, I may have to politely ask for some ramen noodles or something.

Lucy is back

Our dog Lucy was missing since Sunday. If you live in Small Town, I'm sure you've seen her riding on the top of the toolbox in B's truck. She loves to go to the farm. She was there pretty much everyday last week. She and Bud, B's parents Weimaraner, are boyfriend and girlfriend. They both ran off on Sunday afternoon, which is not unusual for them. Bud came home Monday afternoon, but Lucy was no where to be found. We went over Tuesday afternoon to look for her, but did not succeed.

Yesterday, I had a message from a sweet lady who lives on our road. She had Lucy!! She was in Farm Country checking her son's mail, because he works off shore. She brought Lucy home with her to Small Town. She said Lucy ate two bowls of dog food. B rushed over to pick her up. We both love that dog so much! We have had her since she was six weeks old. She has survived parvo and stayed in the doggie ICU for 5 days. I am so happy that she is home! I had to go have words with her when I got home from school last night. I'm not sure she was listening...she has just been laying around. She is worn out! I would be too, she was found miles away from B's parents house.

I hope everyone is having a blessed week. I know the House of Mack couldn't ask for more!

Ladies Day Out

On Saturday, I met up with my MIL and B's cousin. We left at 7:30 to meet B's aunt and cousin-in-law. All of us headed to Capital City (or the Motherland as B calls it)to the annual Holiday Market. This is put on by the Junior League and raises lots of money for various causes. We had a great time looking at all the booths and gift ideas. It will really hurt B's wallet if we ever have Baby Mack. There were SO many great children's items! It was also nice to run in to so many friends.

At the market, I was looking for a specific item. I want a vinegar bottle by M. Bagwell. I headed to her both first, but the bottle was not there :( They had them at the shop. Instead I racked up with one of her new "Chatter Stix". Mine says, "Making a Living is not Making a Life". If you've ever been to our house, you know I love M. Bagwell. She is an Auburn graduate who started her own line of handpainted items. They are sold nationwide. You can view and purchase online at www.mbagwellart.com. I also got lots of giftwrap and a handpainted door hanger.

After we left the market, we headed to the Parade of Homes. We all had a great time looking at the new homes getting ideas to remodel or to use when constructing a home. It was a great day, but I think we were all worn out!! B's cousin-in-law is due in May and she hung in the whole day!! I know she had to be tired!

What happened Auburn?

Auburn lost to West Virginia last night 34-17 bringing their record to 4-4. I was reading on al.com this morning reactions from fans.

UAbunzz wrote, 10 years of unlimited resources and CTT is sitting at 4-4. I'm ready for a new face.

I'm not sure if I'm ready for Tommy to be released, but he has a lot of work to do across the board. The first half of the game was so good! I was excited to see that maybe the Tigers were back to their old selves since Tony Franklin was fired. Not true!

One of the highlights of the game were the new Chick-fil-a commercials. I laughed so hard each time they came on. I especially love the one with the spaceship! I tried to find them this morning, but couldn't. So here is a classic, "Bo knows" commercial.



If your an Auburn fan, how do you feel?

Rob & Big

B was so disappointed to find out this is the last season of his favorite show, Rob & Big. It appears that Big Black is becoming a father. That is awesome news for him, but sad for B. He loves that show! I even had to put it on the ipod for him to watch on the way to Quebec last year. So now, I have been getting the DVDs from Netflix so he can catch up on missed episodes. If you haven't seen it, they are hilarious. It is of course a reality show that follows Rob, a skateboarder and Big, his friend/bodyguard. It also features their bulldog, Meaty! I want a Tahoe just like Rob. He had a black one last year that he called, "murdered out". I LOVE it! I can see me rolling in Small Town in that one. I better just stick with his new white, Storm Trooper (in the words of Rob) style. Best wishes to them both.

I have a confession...

I am a conservative, GAP wearing, Camry driving woman who LOVES rap music! Why you ask? It makes me energized! It wasn't too unusual to pull up to another Camry driving conservative in the Capital City and see her bump'n her speakers just like me. Here in small town though, I find myself to be all alone.

I think it all started in first grade where we were allowed to have a boom box on the school bus. The cool boy, Joe, in the sixth grade always brought his boom box complete with tape player. He loved Run DMC and soon so did I. One of my childhood friends, Melissa, had the Salt N'Peppa record...yes, I said record. We played one of my all time favorites, Push It, really loudly and got in huge trouble for jumping on the couch. Mom was not happy! I'm not even sure she noticed the music.

I've never been able to learn all the words to rap songs and some I would prefer not too....but it's the beats that get me. I'm not a music discriminator....I love it all...gospel, bluegrass, country, rock, r&b, jazz, blues, classical. Rap beats just make me feel good. Most messages in rap music I do not agree with...but their messages never sink in with me. I can not even tell you the subject of most of the songs, but I love to dance around the house with my ipod on. It helps our home get clean a lot faster! So if you see my dancing in the blue Camry in small town, just throw me some deuces....ha ha ha.

What's your guilty pleasure?


Here a just a few of my favorites. Get up and break it down!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Fall Harvest

We've been busy, busy this weekend. B took off work on Thursday and Friday because the hay had to be cut before the rain came on Saturday. I went over and joined him on Friday afternoon. Do you know how hard it is to take a photo while riding in a John Deere? It's hard work driving over acres and acres of land. Thank goodness B's dad helped him. He probably still wouldn't be done. While the men were working away, the ladies went out to play. Ino Baptist Church has a pumpkin patch to raise money for a playground. If you live in our area, you should stop by and check it out. They have HUGE pumpkins, white pumpkins and gourds. I made this little fall "scene" (as B calls it) for our front yard. I know he appreciated having to move it and put it back together today when he cut the grass. The wreath is from last year. B made it with his own two hands. He wrapped the whole thing together. I think it is called a grapevine wreath?!?. I was so proud to get it back out again this year. I hope everyone had a productive weekend.

"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later."

Happy Fall and Happy Harvest!

McCain made our bellies hurt

John McCain was full of humor last night at the Alfred E. Smith Dinner. Here are just a few clips from the event. If you have a chance go watch the whole thing on YouTube. It's only about 10-15 minutes. Please excuse Bill Maher, he has no sense of humor! I tried to find clips from Fox News. They kept the camera on Hillary a little longer while Sen. McCain was speaking. I think I saw a tear roll down her face, she was laughing so hard. Bmack said it was one of his favorite moments with John McCain. We both wished he would have shown a little more of this personality during the debates. During the debate last week, if I would have heard him say "My Friends" one more time, we might not have a working television this week. Anyway, we are Palin/McCain supporters and pray that they win the election in just 18 short days. I am terrified of our country's future if not.

New & Notable

I have posted a few new items at my notables blog http://notablesbyangie.blogspot.com. If you see something you like but want to change something on the layout, just let me know. Most all of my designs can be changed to personalize it just for you!

One of THOSE days....

Yeah....today is one of THOSE for me. I was just running late...I know I am usually late...but this was unusally late. My 8:00 class has one of those teachers that stops the whole class if you're late to make you walk across the room and sign his roll sheet...so I make a point to never be late. When I pulled into the parking lot at 8:05...I was trucking it to class when some how it hit me that I have a test at 9:00. Concepts of Teaching Elementary Math does not seem that hard, but it can be kind of tricky. I know how to do it....but not necessarily how my instructor would like it shown on the test. Soooo.....I skipped my first class in order to study for the test. Then I have a break from 10:00 to 11:00 where I usually go and exchange my books for my afternoon classes. I have a test at 3:00 in Classroom Management. I love this class and have an "A". Well...my book is not in my car. It hit me...it's at home on my desk.Will this day ever end?? It probably doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but it is to me. My husband agreed to let me quit work and return to school full time to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I just think it shows respect to him to go above and beyond my normal academic achievements. I'm just irritated at myself!! So have you had one of THOSE days lately? I can't wait to see what the afternoon holds. :)

Errands and such...

I've been busy all morning. I woke up at 6:30. I think that is the magic time on days I have no schedule. It never fails I wake up at 6:30. I did manage to get a few chores done yesterday.

• sweep and mop the tile
• loads and load of laundry including folding and hanging
• dishes
• organize one closet
• a little studying for the APTTP
  

My sweet sister

and talk to my sissy, Susie Q, on the phone for two hours. It was nice to catch up. That girl is like super mom. She is the mother of four (two girls and two boys). She had to let me know of all the goings on at the local library. I need to go to Lulu's and pick up a gift, stop at Singer and drop off some monogramming, go to WD and get some groceries and cleaning supplies, then to Rick's to pick up some pumpkins. Not that you're interested in this...it just helps me plan out my route. I am craving Chicken McNuggets...who craves those? I am going to hurry and run my errands and grab some lunch. When in the world did I have time to do all of this when I worked???

Make me get up!

I have about a million things to do right now...clean the hardwood floors, sweep and mop the tile, loads of laundry, dusting ceiling fans, dishes, cleaning the laundry room, organizing the closets, removing dead plants from their pots, study for the APTTP (Alabama Prospective Teacher Test) that I have early Saturday morning, work on my seven page paper due next week....the list can go on and on, but what am I doing??? I am sitting in the bed with the covers pulled up to my waist and a computer in my lap. I have been sitting here since 6:30...three hours! That is crazy. At least I did create a monthly budget in Excel, write out the middle of the month bills and order some checks. Bmack is out of town for the next two days. I think I am just enjoying a lazy day....it has been FAR too long since my old friend Lazy and I have gotten to hang out. I'll have to make her leave soon. That list above is quite overwhelming! I think I'll post later of my accomplishments...a little accountability never hurt anyone.

And we're off...

Brett and I have really enjoyed reading the blogs of our friends. He thinks they're great...so usually if he's interested...I am all for it. I don't think you'll see any posting from Mr. Mack, but I'll be more than happy to share news from his side of the sofa. I love blogging...it reminds me of my old pen and paper journaling days. This is much more fun though!!
We're in a crazy state right now, I feel like time is just flying by. A quick update to what has been going on-Brett is an environmentalist and commercial beef cattle producer. He has recently joined the Covington County Cattlemen's Association and Covington County Farmer's Federation (I am terrible with names so I hope I stated those correctly). He will be representing the Covington County Farmer's Federation in a statewide debate in December in Mobile. He is a wonderful public speaker. I am so proud of him. I can not wait to go cheer him on...hmm...not sure how my pom-poms will fit in at a debate.
I am not currently working, but I am going to school full time. I have about a year left to complete my Elementary Education degree. I am so excited. I have been observing this week at the local elementary school. I am also excited about being a new member of the Andalusia Junior Woman's Club. I was so used to always having someone to call and do things with in Montgomery. I think this is going to be a great opportunity to get more involved in the community and meet new friends.
So check back often...we're always up to something!!